Interview: Lynne Fung, Executive Director of Business Development, Matilda International Hospital
Lynne Fung, Executive Director of Business Development at Matilda International Hospital, tells ITIJ about their recent world-first accomplishment, and why it’s so important to their organisation
Matilda International Hospital has recently had remarkable success on the accreditation assessment by the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International. Can you tell us why this is such a great achievement?
An Outstanding Achievement for accreditation assessment by ACHS International is the highest level possible and we are the first healthcare organisation in the world to achieve this in Equip7 with the person-centred module.
For us it’s a big thing. It’s a world first, yes, but one that recognises what we have been doing for so long, reflects who we are and aligns with our vision and core values. It’s a living legacy, not just policies and systems put in place to meet criteria.
For patients and insurance partners it is important because a person-centred care system ensures healthcare organisations deliver services in a caring, compassionate and engaging manner. This achievement demonstrates that Matilda provides exceptional standards of patient care to meet rigorous international standards.
The Outstanding Achievement included accreditations for Matilda Hospital’s Advanced Person-Centered System (PCS) module. Can you tell us more about this?
The accreditation with Outstanding Achievement is awarded to facilities that demonstrate exceptional progress in meeting all mandatory requirements and fulfil all person-centered requirements of the Advanced Person-Centered System module.
For patients, person-centred care and systems are in place to meet their individual needs and preferences. Patients are involved in their own care decisions, promoting autonomy, within a supportive and respectful environment.
Person-centred care includes valuing the wellbeing of staff and the cultivating of a robust organisational culture. A unique set of values and ‘ways of being’ promote a diverse and transparent environment that fosters the exchange of opinions. A positive workplace nurtures a strong sense of inclusivity, which in turn contributes to the overall success of delivering exceptional patient care.
For insurance and business partners it involves working together to create services and business solutions tailored to their needs, and valuing feedback.
Matilda International is well-known for its person-centered care and quality. Why are these values so important for the hospital?
The foundation that set our course was penned over a century ago when our founder set a vision to build a hospital: ‘For the benefit, care, and happiness of patients’. This was long before patient-centric care was well defined.
This achievement recognises that this vision has been nurtured over generations and is evident in the work we do every day. After 116 years it remains very much alive despite the hardships of war, prison camps, typhoons, economic crises and infectious disease outbreaks.