International Quality Award for Galway Hospice

Galway Hospice has been recognised as a leading healthcare organisation in Europe in the provision of quality care and patient safety.

In the prestigious and historic setting of Drapers Hall in London on Tuesday last, 10th May 2011, in front of 250 of the top UK and European healthcare leaders, Sean O’Healy – Chief Executive of Galway Hospice – was presented with the Internatinal Quality Improvement Award for 2011 from CHKS, part of the Capita Group.  CHKS Quality Awards celebrate the success of healthcare providers across UK and Europe and reward exceptional achievements in innovation, quality improvement, and dedication to providing world-class healthcare.

The annual London awards centre on the “Top Hospitals” awards to the 40 highest rated hospitals in the UK.  In addition to the Top Hospitals awards, the separate International Quality Improvement Award recognises exceptional achievement in patient care and patient experience, as well as staff welfare, safety and morale.  The award is open to all healthcare providers across Europe who have been accredited by CHKS in the preceding year (2010 in this instance).  Only one International Award is made each year.

“This is an international benchmark, which recognises continuous improvement in delivering high quality care.  We are delighted that Galway Hospice has won this award” said Jill Krynicki, CHKS’ Accreditation Unit Director.

Sean O’Healy, Chief Executive of Galway Hospice, thanked CHKS for the award and said the hospice was “delighted” to have won.  “Winning the CHKS International Quality Award for 2011 is a welcome recognition for the above-and-beyond efforts of everyone at Galway Hospice.  The success of the accreditation process is due to their tremendous commitment, dedication and professionalism”.

Pictured receiving the award from  Mr Jason Harries, Managing Director CHKS are (l-r): Sean O’Healy (Chief Executive, Galway Hospice), Mari Gallagher (Director of Nursing, Galway Hospice) and ) and Claire Hahessy (A/Practice Development Co-ordinator, Galway Hospice).  Also in the picture (second from right) is John Sweeney (Director, HealthCare Informed) who provided key external advisoryand support services to Galway Hospice in its preparations for accreditation.

Drapers Hall, the setting for the awards event, is an exquisitely ornate venue that was used for some of the palace scenes in the recent Academy-award winning film “The King’s Speech”..