Quality Initiatives
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) and its entire staff are committed to providing our patients with high quality care and compassion. It is our goal to constantly exceed your expectations. AMGH participates in many ongoing initiatives to improve the quality of care we provide. Below are a few of many initiatives we participate in.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which we review and refine our practices and procedures so that the care we provide to our patients is consistently focused on quality and safety according to nationally recognized healthcare standards.
The process consists of an internal review of these standards, identifying and addressing any deficiencies and an onsite review that is conducted by our peers.
During our last onsite survey in 2022, AMGH received an accreditation award of “Accreditation with Commendation”, the second highest award a hospital can achieve. This award demonstrated that AMGH had exceeded the average level of performance required by a hospital according
to Accreditation Canada’s standards.
AMGH will be participating in a partnered Accreditation Survey with Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team (HP&A OHT) scheduled for October 2023. Teams are currently reviewing standards and developing action plans to address deficiencies.
Our Goal for this accreditation cycle is to achieve the highest award possible, “Accreditation with Exemplary Status”.
Falls Prevention
In keeping with our commitment to patient safety, AMGH has a focused fall reduction strategy.
Falling can have a significant impact on seniors and their families. A fall can result in major life changes including loss of independence, change in living arrangements or even death. It is estimated that one in three seniors will have a fall at least once per year.
In an attempt to reduce the number of falls and reduce the impact of falling, all patients admitted to AMGH are assessed for risk of falling and appropriate interventions implemented.
Patients and family members can help reduce falls as well. There are a number of things you can do to avoid falls as listed in the following excerpt from our Patient Fall Prevention Policy. Stay Safe - Avoid Falls
Medication Reconciliation
The main goal of Medication Reconciliation is to prevent adverse drug events and potential harm by obtaining the most accurate medication history at the time of admission to hospital and then comparing this list to admission medication orders. All medications taken by patients at home are considered, then, depending on why you are being admitted, either continued as is, stopped or continued with some modifications.
Everyone can help with this process by knowing the following:
- What medication are you taking?
- Why do you take this medication?
- What dose has been prescribed?
- What dose are you currently taking?
- What time(s) of the day do you take this medication?
- How long have you been taking this medication?
- Have you recently stopped taking a medication? If so, when and why did you stop?
- Do you have any concerns or side effects with your medication?
- What community pharmacy do you use to fill your prescriptions?
When you come to the hospital it is helpful to bring either your medication bottles or an accurate list of your medications with you. You may find it helpful to keep a record of your medications on your computer or in a notebook. Working with us to understand your current medication regime is essential to helping us to take the best possible care of you.
A good way to learn about your medications is to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to understand. You have the right to ask. You have the right to know. Talk to your doctor, your nurse or your pharmacist. All these people want you to understand your medications.