Prince Edward Island’s ambulance service has received one of the highest levels of accreditation in the country’s health sector.
Island EMS was recently accredited with commendation by Accreditation Canada after an evaluation of its management, operations and paramedic services.
Accreditation Canada measured Island EMS against globally influenced and jurisdictionally tailored standards that are used in the accreditation of more than 1,100 health care sites across thr country, including regional health authorities, hospitals and long-term care facilities.
“Being accredited with commendation is a remarkable achievement, not just for Island EMS, but for all of its paramedics, administrative staff and management,” said Erik Sande, president of Medavie Health Services, the parent company of Island EMS.
The accreditation is valid for five years and is the result of Island EMS’ efforts to improve upon the level of accreditation it received in 2014.
Accreditation Canada evaluated Island EMS against best-in-class standards established by its affiliate Health Standards Organization.
External peer surveyors conducted an onsite survey to assess the organization’s leadership, governance, clinical programs and services against Accreditation Canada requirements for quality and safety. Those requirements include national standards of excellence, required safety practices to reduce potential harm, and questionnaires to assess the work environment, patient safety culture, governance functioning and client experience.
Island EMS surpassed the fundamental requirements of the accreditation program.
With the new level of accreditation, Islanders will soon see Accreditation Canada decals on Island EMS ambulances and support vehicles. Island EMS staff will also act on recommendations from the accreditation survey to improve its management and operations over the coming years.
Island EMS began operating the ground ambulance service in P.E.I. in April 2006, and now has bases located in Alberton, O’Leary, Summerside, Montague and Souris, with the main administration office and paramedic base in Charlottetown.
There are about 150 paramedics working with Island EMS.
