Kitchener's Sunnyside Home earns perfect score in national audit

Sunnyside Home in Kitchener has earned a perfect score in a quality and safety audit conducted by an independent national organization.

The long term care home met or exceeded 506 requirements looked at by Accreditation Canada, whichsets national standards for quality and safety in health care in this country and around the world.

This is the first time Sunnyside Home,which is run by the Region of Waterloo, has achieved a perfect score in the two decades it has been part of the accreditation process.

Long term care team gets credit

Connie Lacy, the director of seniors' services for the Region of Waterloo, gives credit for the results to the people at the care facility.

"This was really a collective effort by the whole staff/team," Lacy told CBC K-W. "I'm just really proud of the way they worked together, and this is a really huge accomplishment."

Lacy said the surveyors highlightedthe home's quality improvement and client and family-centred care. As well, the 263 bed facility wasapplauded for its partnerships between staff, service partners and volunteers.

Cautious when hiring

Other requirements it met or exceeded in the 506 requirements surveyed by Accreditation Canada included standards in place for patient safety culture, practices to reduce potential harm and the experience of residents.

Another part of the accreditation is hiring practices.

"We have very stringent hiring practices for the Region of Waterloo," Lacy said. "We have a zero tolerance policy toward resident abuse and neglect, [and candidates require]full reference checks and standings in their colleges before hiring."

Sunnyside Home isin its 148th year of operation.