The Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) has been awarded three years accreditation by the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS).

Within CAHS, the Alice Springs Hospital, the Tennant Creek Hospital and the Central Australia Mental Health Service underwent the ACHS accreditation survey against the 10 national standards in March this year.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health, Professor Len Notaras AM, the CAHS Board Chair, Damien Ryan, and Chief Operating Officer CAHS, Sue Korner congratulate all staff across Central Australia for the their resolute effort and teamwork to meet all the requirements of the accreditation survey.

Professor Notaras acknowledges the work by the Board and Chief Operating Officer in guiding and supporting the team not just through the process but every day.

“These are important professional standards and I am well aware each and every staff member contributes.”

“It is this team effort and commitment to consistent high standards that ensures CAHS obtain this recognition,” Professor Notaras said.

“The CAHS Board is very proud of the quality of service and care offered by the entire Central Australia Health Service team,” Board Chair Damien Ryan said.

A total of 209 core actions had to be met to renew accreditation and the staff and management were dedicated to achieving the 10 National Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standards (NSQHS) across the two hospitals and the mental health service.

Ms Korner said the award of the accreditation sends a clear and powerful message to the community that CAHS is committed to providing a high level of health care with a continuing pledge to quality, safety and performance.

“In order for us to have reached this stage, all staff in each of the three services has been committed to this achievement,” Ms. Korner said.

“As the surveyors stated, the approach adopted by CAHS was not about getting the tick but to ensure we had the systems and processes that will enable us to consistently provide high quality care and ensure that the services we provide are second to none throughout the country.”

Ms. Korner said the work and dedication by the staff involved in the process is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the Central Australian community.

“You should be extremely proud of your efforts and also for the work and commitment you display every day to treat and improve the lives of the people who seek our services,” she said.

The ACHS accreditation will remain current until August 2018.

Media Opportunity: A photo opportunity exists with Damien Ryan, Chairman of the Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) Board at the Alice Springs Hospital at 2.30pm on Wednesday 4 November. Please meet in the foyer of the hospital.

Media Contact: Gail Liston 8951 5111 or 0476 839 383