Road Town, Tortola, BVI – 18th September 2023 – During the recent Patient Safety Day Ceremony held at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Lobby on 15th September, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Dr. June Samuel revealed that the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital has been granted full accreditation from the esteemed accrediting body DNV-GL (Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd).
This achievement follows the initial accreditation in 2020 which necessitated follow-up evaluations by DNV-GL. Following the final successful assessment, the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital is now the proud recipient of a comprehensive three-year accreditation certificate.
Notably, Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital stands as the first Caribbean institution to be recognized by DNV-GL, which boasts an accreditation list that includes over 635 U.S. hospitals and 15 others spanning Brazil, China, Iceland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Thailand.
Choosing the DNV-GL program was in alignment with BVIHSA’s unwavering dedication to patient safety and quality. Renowned for their methodical developmental approach, DNV-GL ensures organizations such as BVIHSA embark on a journey of continuous growth and alignment with global standards and best practices.
Through meticulous evaluations, seasoned healthcare experts gauged the BVIHSA’s proficiency in:
- Ensuring a secure environment for patient care
- Enlightening patients about diagnostic and treatment risks and options
- Upholding patient rights, including privacy
- Assessing patient conditions throughout treatment phases
- Safeguarding patients and staff from infections
- Preparing comprehensively for potential emergencies.
The acclaimed DNV-GL accreditation integrates NIAHO standards with ISO 9001 and ISO 15189 standards for healthcare and medical laboratories respectively. As BVIHSA carries this emblem of excellence, the organization commits to uphold these high standards, welcoming regular monitoring and inspections.
DNV-GL’s comprehensive approach amalgamates insights from prominent entities like the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Brain Attack Coalition, American Heart Association, International Organization of Standardization, and the World Health Organization. The in-depth assessment comprises annual surveys, continuous feedback, and ensures quality elevation throughout the three-year accreditation journey.
BVIHSA’s accreditation journey started with a self-assessment, followed by a readiness evaluation, and culminated in a full assessment of DNV-GL/NIOSH standards in 2020. The two years following that accreditation included a DNV-GL follow-up assessment, an ISO 9001 pre-assessment in February 2021, and in 2023 an ISO 9001 certification audit.
This rigorous procedure not only solidifies the organization’s commitment to world-class healthcare but also sets the bar high for future endeavors.
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