CMHA Ottawa Receives Exemplary Accreditation Standing

May 2013

The Canadian Mental Health Association Ottawa Branch is pleased to announce that on May 7, 2013 the agency was awarded Accreditation with “Exemplary Standing”, the highest standing granted through this review. This is all the more exceptional in that it is the agency’s first attempt at achieving Accreditation. In doing so, CMHA Ottawa met 100% of the Required Organizational Practices and 100% of the High Priority Standards. Ottawa (May 2013) – The Canadian Mental Health Association Ottawa Branch is pleased to announce that on May 7, 2013 the agency was awarded Accreditation with “Exemplary Standing”, the highest standing granted through this review. This is all the more exceptional in that it is the agency’s first attempt at achieving Accreditation. In doing so, CMHA Ottawa met 100% of the Required Organizational Practices and 100% of the High Priority Standards.

“This is a reflection of our agency’s ongoing commitment and dedication towards providing clients and their families with the highest quality mental health services,” said Andrew McCreary, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CMHA Ottawa.

What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a stamp of excellence that is granted by an independent body that undertakes an exhaustive and objective review of an organization, its practices, its people and its operations.

Said Tim Simboli, Executive Director of CMHA Ottawa, “CMHA Ottawa underwent this demanding review to rigorously test itself and honour our commitment to the community to provide uncompromising services of exceptional quality, and we are delighted to have passed with exemplary standing.”

Accreditation is granted by Accreditation Canada (AC), a not-for-profit, independent body accredited by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). AC provides national and international health care organizations with an external peer review process to assess and improve the services they provide to their patients and clients based on standards of excellence. Accreditation Canada’s programs and guidance have helped organizations promote quality health care for over 50 years. Accreditation Canada awards the ‘Exemplary’ standing to organizations meeting all Required Organizational Practices and at least 95% of High Priority Standards.

Surveyors from AC spent three days on-site at CMHA Ottawa in November 2012 reviewing documentation and performance data, observing care processes, interviewing the clients the, Board of Directors, staff, and community partners.

“We appreciate the scrutiny and professionalism of Accreditation Canada. This is a mark of excellence that we will display proudly,” says Todd Bridger, Manager and Accreditation Coordinator.