Ontario Shores Maintains 'Accreditation with Exemplary Standing' Status from Accreditation Canada

WHITBY, ON, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) remains in select company after the specialty mental health hospital achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing status following a recent review by Accreditation Canada.

Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care, accrediting health organizations in Canada and around the world.

Accreditation with Exemplary Standing is awarded to an organization that attains the highest level of performance, achieving excellence in meeting the requirements of the accreditation program.

Ontario Shores first achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing in 2013.

"Each day at Ontario Shores we strive for excellence in the delivery of quality care," noted Ontario Shores President and CEO Karim Mamdani. "To be recognized in consecutive Accreditation reviews for our commitment to patients, families, partners, and our communities is a tremendous achievement."

A team of Accreditation Canada surveyors visited Ontario Shores in May, 2017. After a week of intense team interviews, tours, documentation reviews, and conversations with patients, families, and community partners, the surveyors provided a final report evaluating Ontario Shores' ability to meet Accreditation Canada's standards. Ontario Shores met more than 99 per cent of the criteria.

Accreditation Canada's final report highlighted Ontario Shores' success in developing patient and family partnerships and its commitment to evidence-based care. The surveyors also noted the continued evolution of the hospital's Electronic Medical Record and its work in the areas of research, innovation and academics.

The surveyors also highlighted the sense of pride among Ontario Shores' staff and their commitment to the use of recovery principles.

"This is truly the accomplishment of a collective group," said Mamdani. "This recognition is the result of everyone in the organization working together to achieve a common goal.  At Ontario Shores, providing exemplary care for the people who need us most is what unites us."

Accreditation Canada's accreditation program that was introduced in 2008 to incorporate the latest research and evidence and feedback from clients, surveyors, board members and staff in defining priorities that include performance, risk prevention planning, client safety, performance measurement, and governance.

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 assessments and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, build on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.

SOURCE Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

For further information: Darryl Mathers, Communications Officer, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, 905-430-4055 ext. 6583, Cell: 905-435-8623, mathersd@ontarioshores.ca