Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences Receives Full Accreditation

WHITBY, ON, June 10 /CNW/ - Yesterday, Glenna Raymond, President and CEO, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) announced at the hospital's Annual General Meeting that the organization has received full accreditation until 2013 from Accreditation Canada.

Accreditation Canada states that less than a third of all hospitals participating in their Qmentum Program receive full accreditation status. Focused on quality and momentum, the Qmentum program has been streamlined to enhance quality care and advance Canadian standards of patient safety, communication, accessibility and efficiency.

"Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality improvement and a commitment to reaching for the highest standards in health care," said Wendy Nicklin, President and CEO, Accreditation Canada. "We applaud the effort, enthusiasm, and success of Ontario Shores in their quest for quality and safety."

"We are thrilled with the results," said Dr. Eric Fonberg, Board Chair. "We have experienced a great deal of positive change in many areas of the organization over the past year. To maintain high standards of quality care for our patients during this period of transformation is an exceptional achievement."

Many positive comments about the organization were highlighted in the report from Accreditation Canada. Ontario Shores received special acknowledgement for the First Responders Interactive Simulation for Mental Health as a Leading Practice.

This collaborative educational initiative between Ontario Shores, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham Regional Police involves police training simulations for educating officers about mental illness and responding to incidents. Leading Practices are recognized by Accreditation Canada for excellence in demonstrating creativity, innovation and efficiency in Canadian healthcare practice.

"This is one of the many wonderful partnerships we value at Ontario Shores," said Raymond. "We thank all of our community partners for their ongoing support as we pursue our vision of recovering best health, nurturing hope and inspiring discovery, and I am proud of the work that has been accomplished in all aspects of our clinical and non-clinical functions."

Accreditation Report Highlights

• All Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) have been met.
• Recovery and Rediscover - Shared Journey, our collaborative model of care, is clearly a focal point for all clinical and non-clinical decision making.
• Excellence at the point of care has tangibly improved.
• Quality and risk management strategies are thriving and robust.
• The new Family Council recognizes the efforts being made to improve patient care at Ontario Shores.
• The facility is very clean, modern and therapeutic.
• Academic and research activities at Ontario Shores have been greatly enhanced with strategies in place for the future.
• The new affiliation with the University of Toronto School of Medicine was noted as a remarkable accomplishment, along with the nursing residency program and comprehensive orientation and training programs for staff.
• Financial planning is clinically driven; Human Resources and Information Management initiatives are generating excellent outcomes for clients and staff.

"By taking part in the accreditation process, our commitment to creating a safe and positive environment of discovery, recovery and hope is recognized, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the work that we do," said Raymond. 

Surveyors found the organization was exceptionally well prepared for the survey, with invigorating and creative leadership. Excellent strategic planning is supported by award winning communication and excellent mental health advocacy as our teams consistently strive to advance our performance standards across all areas of the organization.

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a spectrum of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.

For further information:

or to set up an interview, please contact:
Jennifer Bastarache
Communications Officer
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
905-430-4055 ext. 6583
[email protected]