After a six year process, Living Hope has earned a two-year COHSASA accreditation. The Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA) assists a range of healthcare facilities in Southern Africa to meet and maintain quality standards.
“This is an extensive audit of the entire organization, its structure, governance, systems, procedures and policies. It focuses on all things medical and is a survey and audit of our entire medical processes, practices, policies and procedures,” explains Living Hope founder and chairman of the Board,” John Thomas.
“It brings the highest possible level of credibility to the organisation. We hope that this will lead to possible ’twinning’ with other Health Care organisations across the world,” said Thomas.
Peter Hawksley, General Manager of Operations, agrees, “It legitimizes the organization as a Palliative Care organization. It focuses on the care side, but definitely, there’s a spillover into other areas. This has helped Living Hope spearhead its quality care programs in all ministries.”
The accreditation application began under the late Prof. Barbara Robertson (first Manager of Living Hope and Sr. Rene Bates. Former Living Care General Manager Leigh Snyman drove the accreditation process involving the Heath Care Centre, Home Based Care and Community Care Workers. The medical work was carried on by the various managers of Living Care and the trustees, who worked hard to ensure all the governance policies and structures were in place, explained Thomas.
Additionally, Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) mentored and supported Living Hope staff throughout the entire accreditation process. “We would not have this accreditation without HPCA, no doubt about it,” said Hawksley.
Living Hope also recently earned quality accreditation in their Worker Readiness training (SETA) and working with international Child Protection agency, VIVA.
Living Hope is grateful to the staff and Trustees who worked diligently to achieve this high level of accreditation.