MPHC reaching international standards
MPHC is able to demonstrate and measure patient care standards in a comprehensive manner through the building and management standards it uses.
The building is built to the highest medical building standards namely the UK Technical Memorandum Standards. We looked at the available international standards and were certified to ISO 18001:2007 (formerly OHSAS 18001:2007) in June 2010. MPHC was the first time a medical institution in Ireland has achieved this.
MPHC has clear objectives and targets with a continuous improvement programme in place. Equipment is calibrated and serviced regularly. Clinical, managerial and regulatory activities are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Complaints and incidents are handled in an organised way and responded to. All of this is assisted by a state of the art computer system.
Dr Molony adds, “All the practices are run according to the International Primary Care Standard (IPCS) which developed from MPHC in conjunction with other centres. In conjunction with Billy Nyhan who is a retired auditor and bio chemist from Mallow, we developed the International Primary Care Standard and lodged it at the Quality and Safety Forum, a very successful and significant Conference in London this year. So, we’re very proud that this emanated from here, and is now in place in 12 Centres across the country and gaining strength”.
The IPCS is achieved with the co-operation of different individuals experienced in clinical, management and scientific standards development, as well as inputs from patient groups & experienced auditors. IPCS was developed as an affordable, fit for purpose standard for all pre-hospital health services, Primary Care Centres, GP practices and other Healthcare providers.
It provides increased positive interaction with patients and visible evidence in the practice of the application of a standard with mission statements on walls, assurances of confidentiality, respect, complaints procedures and structured patient care. It provides staff with a sense of responsibility, understanding of their roles, and provides them with sources of legislative and other information they require.
Most importantly, it is independently audited. For more information see the website www.ipcs.ie.