Hutt achieves NZ first with nursing accreditation

6 July 2007

Hutt achieves NZ first with international nursing accreditation

Hutt Hospital has become the first New Zealand hospital to achieve the US Magnet accreditation in recognition of high quality nursing leading to better health outcomes for patients.

Christine Payne, Magnet NZ Chair says, ‘It’s a significant achievement for Hutt Valley DHB. It is only the second organisation outside the US to achieve Magnet status.

Toni Dal Din, Director of Nursing at Hutt Valley District Health Board says, ‘Hutt is extremely proud of this achievement. It is hugely significant for nursing at Hutt and also for nursing in New Zealand.’

Christine Payne agrees. ‘Hutt has set the standard for other New Zealand hospitals to aspire to. Achieving this level of quality provides assurance to patients that they will receive a high standard of care, while staff can be assured they’re working in a supportive environment, which is crucial for staff retention.’

The Magnet programme has been developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and recognises quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice.

Hutt Valley DHB started the accreditation process formally in 2002, however the organisational structures and processes were being developed over many years prior to this. The DHB has had to provide the ANCC with evidence showing how it meets the 14 principles behind the concept covering Administration, Professional Practice, and Professional Development.

Ms Payne says, ‘ANCC then visited the hospital in March this year, meeting with all hospital staff including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, as well as primary, community and tertiary representatives. They also spoke with those who visit the hospital regularly such as patients and relatives and reaching out to the wider community even speaking with taxi drivers.’

A report released last week regarding the cost of nursing turnover highlights the urgent need for effective retention strategies. Magnet is one mechanism to address this.

‘We are working to get the magnet system more accessible into New Zealand’s Certification systems’, says Dr Frances Hughes, a council member of the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s International Governing Council and Executive Member of Magnet NZ.

Christine Payne says, ‘While the Magnet principles centre on nursing, the benefits are far-reaching. We believe the Magnet concept can play a pivotal role in developing “healthy workplaces” for all health professionals. We’re currently working with various health professional groups to try to develop this model of healthcare.’

Research shows Magnet hospitals have higher patient satisfaction, shorter patient stays, higher rates of job satisfaction for nurses, lower rates of nurse burnout, lower rates of needle stick injuries among nursing staff, and lower mortality rates (US Medicare) among other benefits.

ENDS

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