The RFDS Traditional Bases – Mount Isa, Charleville and Cairns – have officially been accredited by the Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) for demonstrating their commitment to quality and safety within practices.
AGPAL Chair, Dr Richard Choong, said the accreditation shows the RFDS are making a significant investment and commitment to quality on a day-to-day basis, across all levels of the organisation.
“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that the RFDS is striving to improve their level of care to both patients and the community,” he said.
“Practices seek accreditation because they want to do their best and view this as another step towards excellence in patient care."
To achieve accreditation, a practice team works over a 12-month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices, the recognised national standard for general practices, that provides a template for quality care and risk management.
The AGPAL accreditation program was developed to provide a range of minimum expectations for patients surrounding safety and care by assessing the practice environment and their processes.
RFDS Charleville Base Senior Medical Officer, Claire Schmidt said the accreditation reinforces the dedication the RFDS clinical staff have for their patients.
“Receiving this accreditation means that no matter where our GPs see a patient, they will be receiving the best possible care,” she said.
“From the Charleville Base, the RFDS runs about 240 GP clinics per year in eight remote communities and this accreditation will only further bolster our commitment to improve the health of people in remote, rural and regional Queensland.”
Dr Choong said accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication between staff members.
"Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the RACGP Standards. It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an accredited practice," added Dr Choong.
