Flawless Lab Accreditation

Media Statement

15 November 2004

Flawless Lab Accreditation

International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) has accredited Gisborne Hospital’s Laboratory without the need for a single corrective action.

An intensive assessment this week saw an assessor check laboratory processes against the international laboratory standard known as ISO 15189.

Clinical Support Services Manager Wilhelmina Mentz said this was the second time in two years TDH Laboratory Accreditation had been earned without any corrective actions being required.

“Last year we informally asked to be assessed against this new standard just to see what progress the Laboratory was making. This time round the assessment against ISO 15189 was compulsory.”

Ms Mentz said the assessor told Laboratory staff that only a few laboratories were certified against the new standard straight after assessment. The majority received corrective actions they must address before compliance can be certified.

“That certainly doesn’t apply to us though! The commitment by laboratory staff over the past few years as well as the exceptional leadership by Laboratory Manager Dean MacFarlane and great support from Quality Manager David Coles, are the reasons for our success.”

“When you look where we have come from we have made so many improvements. It comes as no surprise to me we have been found to meet this tough contemporary standard.”

Of note the assessor praised the positive and constructive attitude among all laboratory staff, the effective management of day-to-day issues, and staff commitment to quality improvement.

The report we got really is quite exceptional, Ms Mentz said.

“Lab staff have done an outstanding job and I couldn’t be more proud of them. The Clinical Biochemistry department for example not only had no corrective actions, but not even a recommendation.

“I know they will continue the good work they are doing so it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

ENDS

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