Waterford’s Public Health Nursing Service has achieved another first

 20^th December 2005 

The Public Health Nursing school service has achieved the ISO 9001:2000 accreditation award.  The ISO is an international organisation for standardisation and this award recognises an initiative by staff to research, identify and record the best practises, which facilitate the school screening service. The initiative is an extension of ISO 9001:2000 already achieved for Care of the Older People. 

Geraldine Tabb, Director of Public Health Nursing in Waterford said, “Ms Kathleen O Sullivan ADPHN with line management responsibility for the school service took the lead on this initiative. Meetings with the school nurses were held on a regular basis to draft the procedures and everyone involved in the service took part in achieving this award.  I would like to thank everyone for embracing the concept of a quality service and I know it will strengthen the school nurse service for Waterford.”  

Mr. Dermot Halpin, Local Health Officer Manager says, “I am delighted that the team have achieved this important award.  It is recognition of the service and all of the staff involved.  As with the previous Care of the Older Person accreditation the school service completed this achievement within their existing resources and they are to be commended on this.”  

The staff took ownership of how the service should be delivered to ensure that the clients are receiving the most appropriate care in the most appropriate setting. Customer satisfaction is also the focus of the service and it is anticipated that a survey will be completed in the New Year both for the school service and care of the older person. 

To ensure that procedures are maintained both services will be audited by external auditors every six months. It is anticipated that the award will be presented to the Staff on the 16^th February 2006.