A Season of Superlatives

As another calendar year drew to a close, I am pleased to say that it ended on a high note for VHA Home HealthCare. The past few months have seen a series of exciting activities that celebrate our ongoing work. Words like “exemplary”, “ground-breaking” and “transformative” spring to mind. And change the last sentence to “And each success positioned us to deliver spectacular care in 2017.

In late November, VHA welcomed surveyors from Accreditation Canada to our Toronto offices. Their periodic review of our organization is an opportunity for us to take an exhaustive look at where and how VHA can improve itself and our client care. As one of our tongue-in-cheek internal messages said, who wouldn’t want to do gap analyses on over 500 standards and criteria?

I am so pleased that VHA has been accredited for another four years with Exemplary Status. Achieving this milestone not only marks the third consecutive time we have reached the highest of national standards, it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality health services.

This quarter, we also hosted a royal delegation from Norway to exchange knowledge about health care and technological advances. Internally, we continued our progress on VHA’s electronic medical records initiative. And our much-needed Playdate program got some high-profile coverage in the news. You can read more about these and other activities in this issue.

None of our success would be possible without the determined, committed and enthusiastic efforts of our staff, service providers and volunteers, and the valued support of our partners and funders. The holidays are a time to enjoy family and community and appreciate the many gifts we have in our lives. Each of you is part of VHA’s community circle, and we are ever so grateful for the gift of your support. Thank you, and Happy New Year.