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National Safety and Quality Health Services (NSQHS) Standards

Recent reviews of Safety & Quality accreditation of health care service providers have led to the development of the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards. With a wider scope than many of the established core accreditation models.

The National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards ensures a consistent quality level of care consumers can expect from health service organisations.

Key Benefits

Prevent Patient Harm

Minimise patient risks while in hospital through improved processes of infection control and early identification of deteriorating patients.

Empower Consumers and Patients

Develop a culture focused on patient-centric care by implementing a consumer partnered system.

Improve Patient Care

Embed consistent quality practices to ensure patients receive the care they need, including through clinical handovers and patient responsibility transfers.

Develop Robust Governance Systems

Integrate governance and quality improvement systems by embedding safety and quality throughout the organisation, not just frontline clinicians.

What Is It?

Quality in health: for safety & quality, better risk management, better business performance.

Quality in Health delivers health care organisations the support and assurance they’ve been looking for, including improved organisational performance that meets the world’s best-recognised business management standards, ISO 9001.The program can be applied in any health care setting, including public hospitals, private hospitals, day hospitals and day procedure centres and in medical rooms where high-risk treatments such as cosmetic surgery, endoscopy and dentistry, may occur.
When Is a Good Time to Make the Decision on Our Organisation’s Future Direction?
The need to maintain certification means that auditing processes must be continuous, but this does not mean that you cannot change your direction. Start chatting with us at any time, and we’ll help with planning to ensure that there is no gap in your accreditation once you are ready to be certified with us or choose to change the standard(s) you are certified to.
Can We Move Our Certification to You from Another Accreditation Agency?
Absolutely! Depending on the agency that you are currently certified with, we will work with you to ensure the transition is seamless.
We Are Thinking of Adding ISO 9001 to Our Current Certification, but We Don’t Know Where to Start. Can You Help Us?
Adopting a new approach can seem daunting, but you could be closer than you think. SAI Global can undertake a readiness review (or gap analysis) of your system to identify whether you are ready for ISO Certification, or what you may still have left to do. You can then set timeframes for any work that may need to be done. We can also help you by providing ISO 9001 training suitable to the needs of your organisation.
What Are the Key Differences with the ISO 9001 Approach?
Most organisations that haven’t had experience with ISO 9001 will find that they will need to address how they control documents and records. This is an area where you will truly understand the value of the ISO approach and will see improvements in communications, access to information, and know that you can rely on records and evidence when you need to.
Are the NSQHS Standards Applicable to Mental Health?
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has not yet mandated the National Standards for Mental Health; however, some state regulatory bodies do mandate that Mental Health Services are certified against these standards. Check with your local Department of Health to find out what is required in your state/territory. Mental Health Facilities can currently be certified to the NSQHSS if the NSMHS is not mandatory.
Can the NSQHSS Be Applied to Aged Care?
The NSQHSS are not mandatory to Aged Care as the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency currently owns the Aged Care Standards. Many aged care facilities do choose to become certified to ISO 9001 as a means to ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency. The NSQHSS may be used in aged care facilities to assist in improving resident outcomes.
How Long Does It Take to Conduct an NSQHSS Audit?

The length of an NSQHSS (with/without ISO 9001) audit is dependent on the size and complexity of the health service. We work with you to develop audit durations and plans that will meet your organisation’s requirements. Durations may vary based on the number of auditors that attend your facility.