Bruce Rock hospital presented with accreditation certificate

25/9/97

The Bruce Rock Memorial Hospital today joined the ranks of the best health services in Australia, when Health Minister Kevin Prince presented it with an accreditation certificate.

The three-year accreditation, from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, recognises a high standard of health care service delivery based on a nation-wide benchmark system.

"Meeting the ACHS standards requires hard work and dedication from all staff, as well as strong and competent leadership at the management level," Mr Prince said.

"The Bruce Rock Memorial Hospital has subjected itself to rigorous assessment by its peers in the health care industry and it has passed with flying colours."

Mr Prince, who presented the certificate to the hospital's ACHS co-ordinator Ann Magee, congratulated the hospital's 22 staff members for their commitment to providing the best possible health care to all patients.

"Patients who are admitted to this hospital should be reassured by this accreditation that they are receiving an extremely high standard of treatment and care," he said.

Mr Prince later opened the hospital's new nursing home wing and reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to provide community-based nursing facilities for aged people as close to their homes as possible.

"It is not appropriate that people who, in many cases, have lived their entire lives in one town, be moved elsewhere - away from their friends and families - in their twilight years," he said.

"It is our intention - and we are currently seeking an increase from the Commonwealth Government for additional funds for aged care facilities in this State - to provide appropriate services as close to the people as possible."

The redevelopment of the new $380,000 nursing home wing took about two months to complete.

The facility is currently fully occupied with six residents.

"This project is a solid indication of the importance the Bruce Rock community has placed on ensuring that its frail-aged population is able to continue living in the community and receive the highest standard of care," Mr Prince said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney (089) 221 1377