March 21, 2003

Contact:
Debbie Neufert
Media Relations, LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 74772

LHSC receives top marks in 2003 Accreditation report

(LONDON, Ontario) London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has been awarded Accreditation by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. The Accreditation comes following an extensive voluntary peer review process, which assesses the hospital's performance against a set of national standards.

"The 250 page Accreditation Report reveals that LHSC is a forward-thinking organization with committed staff and physicians, exceptional working relationships with health care partners, and an impressive track record of quality, continuous improvement," says Dan Ross, Chair of the Board of Directors at LHSC.

LHSC received consistently high accreditation marks, scoring above 5.0 out of a possible 7.0 in all four dimensions: "Responsiveness", "System Competency", "Client/Community Focus", and "Worklife". It is these four dimensions that define quality patient care and services provided to patients from London and Southwestern Ontario communities.

The surveyors noted significant progress at LHSC since the 1999 Accreditation process, including the advancement of the redevelopment plans for LHSC; the significant investment in medical equipment; and the building initiatives to house future patient care programs and services.

"The outstanding results we see in the Accreditation Report are a testament to the caliber of our staff, physicians, and volunteers, who have not only met, but exceeded, high national standards in the face of significant change," says Tony Dagnone, LHSC President and CEO. "It is this level of commitment and dedication that continues to advance LHSC as a leading academic health sciences centre in Canada."