Minister congratulates SCGH nurses for WA health first

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) has become the first hospital in Western Australia to be awarded a prestigious international accreditation for delivering excellence in nursing and patient care.

Health Minister Kim Hames today visited the hospital to congratulate staff for being accredited as a 'Magnet Hospital' by the American Nurses Credentialling Center.  Other Magnet Hospitals include world-renowned medical facilities such as Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

"Staff at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have been providing high-quality care to the people of WA for the past 51 years," Dr Hames said.

"I am delighted that the achievements of the hospital and its staff have been recognised internationally.  This is a terrific achievement for the thousands of dedicated staff who deliver care to some of the State's sickest patients every day."

SCGH executive director Dr Amanda Ling said a growing body of research showed Magnet Hospitals offered high-quality care to patients, who experienced better outcomes and fewer complications.

"By fostering a supportive environment which promotes professional development, staff increase their expertise and become more innovative in their approach," Dr Ling said.

"They enjoy greater job satisfaction while patients benefit from improved care."

Acting director of nursing at SCGH Sue Davis said Magnet Hospitals also had much better records recruiting and retaining nurses.

"When staff are provided with an environment and the skills that allow them to provide high-quality care, they are more fulfilled and far more likely to remain with the hospital," Ms Davis said. 

Magnet status is valid for four years.