Since 2000, the Canadian Forces have participated in Accreditation Canada' s accreditation program. Accreditation Canada has developed accreditation standards tailored to the distinctive culture of the Canadian Forces.
On April 17, 2007, Accreditation Canada signed a new four-year contract with CFHS. This contract builds on the work, achievements, lessons learned, and partnership we have had with Canadian Forces over the past seven years.
Under this contract, Accreditation Canada will be introducing and conducting a health system approach to CHFS accreditation. This approach will see the parent organization, Canadian Forces Health Services Group based at Headquarters in Ottawa, accredited along with its 19 clinics. For surveys, Accreditation Canada will continue to draw on a specialized pool of surveyors, including physicians, nurses, social workers and administrators, who have a background in military health care.
Accreditation Canada will also be providing consultation services and training to quality improvement and risk management coordinators at the clinic level, in collaboration with the CFHS Quality Improvement Manager at Headquarters.
CFHS is represented on Accreditation Canada’s Board of Directors and the advisory committees for the development of the accreditation program. Their input into standards specific to Canadian Forces is especially appreciated.