The Elim Clinic Steering Committee: Back row, left to right:  Elize Smith, Irene Moeng, Susan van Niekerk, Thea Kruger, Adri Dryer Front row, left to right:  Irma Benson, Lindile Hlanganyane, Margaret Augustyn and Isobella van Jaarsveld.
 
COHSASA’s clients are loyal. Take the Elim Clinic in Kempton Park which was recently accredited for three years for a fifth time, achieving a score of 99! What keeps the clinic coming back since it first entered the programme way back in 1999?
 
Elize Smith, Managing Director of the Elim Clinic explains: “Receiving a ‘bill of good health’ from an organisation like COHSASA which uses internationally recognised standards is indeed a compliment to the Elim Clinic team.
 
“Internally the question is often asked of whether we should continue with the accreditation process – it is, after all, a time-consuming process that requires extra effort and dedication and also something we are not obliged to do.  
 
“The answer is always the same – to continue with the process.  The benefits we gain always outweigh the effort.  It is an opportunity to take the pulse of the total organisation and to improve our own standards.  It is in my opinion a must for any health establishment that is quality driven.
 
“The professional and helpful conduct of the surveyors contributes to a pleasant experience.”
 
In the next Quality Online, we will feature primary health care clinics and environmental offices of the City of Cape Town and member hospices of the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa – two more of COHSASA’s most loyal clients.