By PSS | Posted: Friday November 10, 2017
Vickery Court is exceeding expectations across key Ministry of Health areas; receiving the maximum possible length of audit certification along with exceptional recognition in two key areas.
Four years is the maximum certification length, and means Vickery Court will not require another full audit until 2021. A surveillance audit occurs mid-way through in 2019.
The audit team looks at; the way residents are cared for, staffing, how staff interact with residents, the general environment and clinical records, policies and procedures, as well as interviewing staff, residents and family members.
Not only did the rest home and hospital receive the top certification, but it was also acknowledged with two Continuous Improvements (CIs), noting it continually went above and beyond in the areas of best practice for its clinical work, and its residents-driven activities programme.
Vickery Court Manager Carol Riddle says official acknowledgement that Vickery Court was exceeding required standards was testament to the hard work and dedication of all staff.
“I’m so proud, particularly because it is harder to achieve this standard with hospital level care along with rest home care,” she said.
“It’s taken a lot of work from a very focussed team, and the recognition with the CIs that we are really resident focussed has been hugely pleasing. It’s also very empowering for the team, and not only management but all staff, our cleaners, kitchen staff, care workers, nurses – everyone.”
“We’ve set the bar now, and while it’s high, we’ll be aiming above it. That’s a challenge, but we’ve got a great team.”
All rest homes and aged residential care facilities are certified and audited to ensure they provide safe, appropriate care for their residents and that they meet the standards set out in the Health and Disability Services Act 2001.
Certification audits are completed every one to four years, and the length of time the home is certified for reflects how well the rest home performed at the audit.
Enliven Director Julia Russell said Vickery Court was one of just three homes in Invercargill, including Enliven rest home Walmsley House, to achieve four year certification.
“This acknowledgement shows that Vickery Court operates to a high standard, which is clearly demonstrated when you visit and speak to the residents there,” she said.
“It fits well with Presbyterian Support (Enliven) as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care and Retirement Villages, and it is great to see Vickery Court staff living this achievement.”
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