HBH Howick Views achieves ‘top marks’ in recent audit
We’re very happy to report that HBH Howick Views has achieved full attainment across all areas of care in the latest Ministry of Health/ Heath Cert. audit. We were measured against the new Nga Paerewa Health & Disability sector standards, so this is a huge accomplishment.
The feedback from auditors was that our understanding and interpretation of the new standards in practice was to a high level, and we were one of a small number of aged care homes to achieve full attainment currently.
New Nga Paerewa health and disability sector standards were introduced in 2021 and have required a massive overhaul of policies and procedures. “We had a two-year grace period to adopt the new standards, then COVID happened!” says HBH CEO, Juliette Tuckey. “It’s been a mammoth task for staff and board members, rewriting and integrating hundreds of standards, policies and procedures across our services.”
The audit covers all levels of clinical care, governance, people & HR, organisational management, and support services as well as our overall culture of care and our commitment to equity with a focus on building relationships with our treaty partners.
HBH was awarded four years (the maximum period achievable) in the last audit held in 2019. In this first round of new standards, we are hoping to achieve a four-year attainment again, as well as several “Continuous Improvement” commendations for our work on Te Tiritiri o Waitangi standards, governance standards, our physio and rehabilitation services, and our retainment and people support which has resulted in our comparatively low staff turnover (50% less than the sector average). This was during a particularly challenging period with COVID-19 and sector staffing shortages, and meant we also achieved better resident outcomes (KPI’s).
“It was a magnificent effort,” says Juliette. “I can’t say enough about how fantastic the team was – everyone at every level went above and beyond to get it done. After a tough few years of COVID, this was fantastic news and it means a great deal to have our hard work recognised.”
