Wentworthville increased its community health credentials when Lane street medical Centre received a national award of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety within its practice.

Lane Street Medical Centre received this important recognition from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), the leading non for profit provider of general practice accreditation services within Australia.

AGPAL chair Dr Richard Choong said, “Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that Lane street medical centre is striving to improve their level of care to both patients and the community.”

“Practices seek accreditation because they want to do their best and view this as another step towards excellence in patient care.”

To achieve accreditation, a practice team works over a 12 month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) standards for general practices, (the recognising national standards), which provide a template for quality care and risk management.

The AGPAL accreditation program was developed to provide a range of minimum expectations for patients surrounding safety and care by assessing the practice environment and their process. Accreditation was developed jointly by AGPAL and primary health organisations and peak bodies, including the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Areas of focus during an onsite assessment for accreditation include: ensuring vaccines are within their use by date and stored at correct temperatures, and the practice equipment is clean and sterile; practice staff are up to date with their training and the practice has emergency care available.

Dr.Choong said accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication between staff members.

“Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the RACGP Standards. It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an accredited practice,” added Dr.Choong.

Lane Street Medical Centre proudly displays the AGPAL symbol for all their patients to see.

“We want community members, nation-wide to know that their wellbeing is our priority. By choosing to attend an accredited practice, patients know they will get quality and safe care that meets the RACGP Standards.”

The practice, located at 31/15-17 Lane Street,Wentworthville, NSW 2145, has special interest in general medicine, chronic disease management, skin checks, immunisations, women’s and men’s health and musculoskeletal medicine.