ESS Accredited with Exemplary Standing

AC-Web-Banner

In April 2018, ESS Support Services underwent a thorough Accreditation re-certification process with Accreditation Canada. It is with great excitement, gratitude and pride to announce ESS has, once again, been awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing. This is the highest level of excellence possible with Accreditation Canada.

ESS was first accredited by Accreditation Canada in 2010, then re-certified with Exemplary Standing in 2013. Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to working with clients and patients, policy makers and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all. The accreditation program is a four-year cycle of assessment and improvement, where organizations work to meet the standards and raise the quality of their services.

From April 9-12, 2018, surveyors from Accreditation Canada visited ESS to receive feedback from clients and caregivers, and to observe and assess its processes based on required standards and operational practices in six core safety areas: safety culture, communication, medication use, worklife/workforce, infection control and risk assessment. ESS was evaluated on 462 standards covering all areas of the organization from governance, to leadership and direct services.

We are pleased to share ESS met 100% of the standards. This highlights our commitment to high quality, safe and effective care for seniors and their families. Achieving and maintaining accreditation is an important distinction for ESS, and we hope our achievement of Exemplary Standing serves as a reminder of our commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvements. Thank you to the Board of Directors, Senior Directors, Direct Service and Administrative Staff and Volunteers for all of their work. I feel truly blessed to work with such an outstanding group of people. – Dolores Ellerker, CEO, ESS Support Services.

In their final report, the surveyors commended ESS for being highly regarded in the community and among community partners. They highlighted the following:

  • Strong leadership and exceptional commitment to seniors in the community of Etobicoke; including a positive reputation for innovation, responsiveness and commitment to projects.
  • A strong commitment to client and family centeredness. Opportunities are sought and processes are developed to engage and include the voice of clients and families in all facets of its programs and structures.
  • ESS’ falls prevention program, infection prevention and control programs, and comprehensive policies and protocols that govern medication management.

Since ESS’ first Exemplary Standing score four years ago, the staff and volunteers saw this process as an opportunity to incorporate new initiatives and standards by which ESS would continue to grow and improve in the areas of client and caregiver care, satisfaction and safety. ESS looks forward to continuing with this commitment and supporting seniors to their desire to remain independent in their own homes and community.

tes22

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *