Following a comprehensive, week-long onsite assessment of the hospital’s programs and services, Guelph General Hospital has achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest ranking possible from Accreditation Canada.

Being accredited means that the hospital was voluntarily assessed by an independent third-party organization against a set of national and international standards. It is a recognized evaluation process which helps identify what is working well and where there might be room for improvement. 

“Evaluation processes like these give us an opportunity to reflect on the exceptional work we do every day at Guelph General Hospital. After countless conversations with our entire team, I am proud to say that surveyors found us to be meeting or exceeding current health care standards,” shared Mark Walton, President and CEO at Guelph General Hospital.  

The accreditation process involves a thorough and detailed review of hospital policies, programs, and plans. It also involves a visit from health care professionals who are trained surveyors with Accreditation Canada and the first time a patient surveyor participated in the process. This team speaks with those that work, receive care, and volunteer at the hospital to gain an understanding of care practices. Over the course of several days, surveyors participate in programs and services to observe the hospital at every level. 

Of the many strengths that Accreditation Canada identified where: 

• A culture of caring and commitment to patients and quality improvement is evident throughout the organization – from the boardroom to the bedside 

• Wherever the surveyor team travelled in the hospital, the commitment to “putting patients and families first” was evident across all areas of care 

• Patient safety is a key priority for the organization 

“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients and their families. It is a collective accomplishment that touches every corner of our hospital; from those we serve, to those that work and volunteer here, and to our partners beyond our walls,” shared Dr. Alex Ferguson, Chief of Staff at Guelph General Hospital. 

The next area of focus for Guelph General Hospital will be the development of a Clinical Services Plan which will address the most urgent clinical needs and anticipated population growth. The plan, expected to launch in late 2026, is another continuous quality improvement effort taken by the hospital to ensure the best possible care is provided. 

Accreditation Canada (AC) has been empowering clients on their path to continuous quality improvement for over six decades. Since its establishment in 1958, AC has played a crucial role in promoting safe and high-quality care through capacity-building and conducting independent, third-party assessments of health and social service organizations against global standards of excellence. In 2023 it expanded its presence to over 15,000 locations across 38 countries, solidifying its position as a leading global organization. 

Guelph General Hospital (GGH) is a dynamic, comprehensive acute care facility providing a full range of services to the residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Services include 24-hour emergency coverage, advanced technology and diagnostic support, and specialty programs. GGH is a regional provider of general vascular surgery and a designated provincial Bariatric Centre of Excellence. GGH is also a proud partner in the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team.