Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has been awarded unconditional accreditation by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation (OCCHA).
WDG Public Health has consistently achieved accreditation status since 1996 and is among only 16 of 36 health units in Ontario that is officially accredited.
Unconditional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation awarded. The Accreditation Report rated the governance and agency management as receiving the highest level possible in the accreditation process.
Specifically, the letter from OCCHA’s Board Chair, Iqbal Kalsi, noted that, “The health unit strategically works with community partners to meet the health needs of the community. In addition, the health unit has proactively participated in consortiums and other partnerships to investigate cost savings and efficiencies.”
The high achievement rating was also given to the areas of strategic management, health promotion, disease prevention, emergency preparedness and communication with provincial and local governments.
“We are delighted that OCCHA recognizes the high standards of staff at WDG Public Health,” said Amanda Rayburn, Chair of the Board for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “I also appreciate that OCCHA gave high marks to the governance of Public Health as I know first-hand how dedicated our board members are.”
“OCCHA has just recently implemented a new process to ensure its high standards and I am pleased to know that we consistently meet those high standards,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for WDG Public Health. “I have every confidence we will continue providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the rapidly growing communities we serve.”
The current accreditation lasts from June 2012 to June 2015 when a new accreditation process will take place. OCCHA reviews the status of the accreditation each year with an on-site visit and reserves the right to visit the offices of WDG Public Health at anytime.
