National body signs off on Mount Gambier practice of standards

MORNINGSIDE House Family Practice has received a national award of accreditation, boosting Mount Gambier’s community health credentials.

The Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) recognition highlights a major investment in quality and safety within the Helen Street business.

AGPAL chair Dr Richard Choong said accrediation showed the practice made a significant commitment to quality on a day-to-day basis across all aspects.

“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that Morningside House Family Practice is striving to improve its level of care to both patients and the community,” Dr Choong said.

To earn accreditation, a practice works over a 12-month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners standards for general practice – the recognised national benchmark – which provides a template for quality care and risk management.

An on-site assessment focused on ensuring vaccines were within their use-by-date and stored correctly, practice equipment was sterile and staff were up-to-date with training.

Dr Choong said accreditation was only attainable through cooperation and communication between staff members.

“Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the standards,” he said.

“It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an accredited practice.”