Outside inspectors have praised the running of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

A few areas highlighted for extra attention during a visit last May by a team from Canada have been dealt with by hospital managers and staff.

Regular fire drills, on-going monitoring of staff satisfaction, continued review of patient chart management and attention to the ageing of equipment at the two institutes were amongst the areas identified last summer for improvement by a team from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation.

The CCHSA carried out a voluntary review last May and both the hospital and the Institute achieved three-year accreditation from the Association.

During their visit the survey team examined everything from patient care and safety to staff development and board governance, building and equipment maintenance, infection control and patient chart completion, community partnerships, and quality of employees work life.

They met with staff, patients, family members and community partners and compared their own observations with BHB?s self-assessment.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board has now been commended by the team in a follow up visit on February 9 when they reviewed progress on various identified areas of improvement.

Sandra Kearns, surveyor for CCHSA, was pleased to see that recommendations made last year had been addressed.

She said: ?BHB has taken recommendations from the accreditation survey in May 2005 as an opportunity for continuous improvement.

?This organisation truly embraces quality improvement and a commitment to patient safety.

?There is evidence of this commitment from the Board and application throughout all levels of the organisation.?

The follow-up visit focused on a risk management review of the physical environment, ageing physical plant, physician credentials, licensing of house officers and a physician manpower plan.

?The accreditation process provides us with an objective view of our organisation,? said Joan Dillas-Wright, chief executive of the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

?By identifying areas of excellence, as well as areas of improvement, the process confirms our commitment to providing quality care.

?I extend my sincere thanks to the staff, patients and members of the public who participated in this exercise and made it a valuable, instructive experience for all of us. We are proud of our accomplishments and are pleased to share them with the community.?