12 November 2008

Pact passed its recent Certification Audit with flying colours.

We have the longest period of certification that we have been given since 2004 (when we were first certified) —three years.

What was particularly pleasing was receiving the highest attainment level (CI—Continuous Improvement) in several areas.

The restraint programme, for example, received three CI’s – one for assessment and two for education. All criteria in our Infection Control programme were fully achieved, and we received two CI’s in the area of having processes in place for effective outcome management and continual improvements to the programme. The Mental Health and Health and Disability standards received five CI’s around quality and the safe and supportive project; six for documentation, tracking outcomes, identification, education and minimising risks on incident reports; and one CI for improvements to serviced delivery. 

There were just three corrective actions to be implemented from this audit, compared to previous years where we had 68 corrective actions in the first audit (to be expected) and more than 20 in 2006. 

The auditors said in their report that there been many quality improvement activities since the surveillance audit last year, the infection control and health and safety teams have been restructured in each area and a number of quality surveys and projects have been undertaken. They noted ongoing improvements to facilities that are owned by the organisation and said all 12 houses they visited were warm and inviting with attractive décor, pleasant grounds, good quality furniture and chattels and safe specialist equipment etc.

Pact will be re-audited before March 2010.