Mr. Georgios Skourtis, General Manager of Henry Dunant Hospital Center refers to the hospital’s contribution to the battle against the coronavirus and to the advantages offered by the leading international accreditation JCI. 
Henry Dunant Hospital Center participates in the great national battle against the coronavirus with twelve ICU beds and 53 hospital beds in a specially designed section of the hospital. As the general manager of the hospital, Mr. Georgios Skourtis points out, in addition, all the necessary protection measures have been taken for patients, staff and their families, as the safety of all is a first priority for Henry Dunant, along with the high quality health services provided. A guarantee for the quality and safety of the hospital, after all, is the top international accreditation JCI which leads Henry Dunant into a new era.
What initiatives has Henry Dunant taken in response to the coronavirus?
Responding to the increased needs of the National Health System, we have made available to the State 12 ICU beds, as well as 53 hospital beds in a specially designed section of the hospital’s 6th floor. Both departments are isolated and can safely treat suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. With this move, Henry Dunant sent a clear message that the hospital is not merely an observer, but is actively participating in the great national effort to deal with the pandemic crisis.
In the face of a highly contagious virus, the issue of safety is obviously crucial for a hospital. How prepared was Henry Dunant?
Safety, not only for the patient, but also for the staff and every visitor, is paramount for a hospital at any time, regardless of the circumstances. In Henry Dunant, safety is non-negotiable; I must say that it is one of the hospital’ s main advantages. We want to be at the top in terms of quality and safety, and this has been confirmed with our recently been awarded with the Gold Seal of Approval®, the top international accreditation for hospitals by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
In fact, regarding the coronavirus, even before the first official case was recorded in our country, we adjusted the existing emergency plans and formed the Pandemic Management Team, which meets daily to readjust its plans, recording every development of the pandemic and taking all necessary measures to protect the patients, the staff and their families.
At the same time, we set up a Mobile Unit in the hospital yard in time to deal with suspected cases, and created a separate, isolated hospital ward for suspected cases. If, of course, a coronavirus positive case is detected, the instructions of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) regarding the patient’s transfer to the designated Reference Centers are immediately implemented. Moreover, I must also point out that Henry Dunant has calculated the cost of the coronavirus test more on the basis of a social policy and not in the context of competition.
With the same team spirit and professionalism that secured Henry Dunant the global JCI accreditation, we are prepared to deal with any Covid-19 related incident.
Why is JCI accreditation important?
It is the most valid quality seal in the world, which marks a new period for the hospital’s operation. After two years of systematic preparation, Henry Dunant Hospital Center is now part of the selected group of only 600 hospitals in the world. JCI accreditation demonstrates to all patients and their families, visitors and staff, that the healthcare organization is committed to constantly improve quality and safety, based on internationally recognized standards that view the patient as the absolute priority. In addition, JCI accreditation is a requirement for a healthcare organization, to enter the medical tourism anywhere in the world.
What are the main benefits of JCI accreditation for patients?
Undoubtedly, it strengthens the public’s confidence in an organization that prioritizes patient safety and the quality of care provided. JCI accreditation confirms the pioneering position of Henry Dunant, as it guarantees among other things:
- Full compliance with the International Patient Safety Goals, set annually by the JCI and the World Health Organization.
- Adoption of international clinical practice protocols and continuous integration of new ones to cover all healthcare services.
- Active involvement of patients and their families, as partners in the care process, with respect for their rights, demonstrating in practice the hospital’s willingness to listen and meet their needs.
- Providing a safe and effective work environment that contributes to employee satisfaction, including their development, helping to improve the organization’s operation, organization, and risk management.
- The organization’s understanding of how to continuously improve clinical care procedures and measuring its results with comparable indicators.
This top accreditation of Henry Dunant breaks a domestic “monopoly”. It would be pleasant and beneficial for the Greek society if other hospitals would move in the coming years towards improving their services, upgrading their quality and gaining JCI accreditation, as healthy competition ultimately helps everyone.
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*The interview was published in the newspaper “PARAPOLITIKA” (25/04/2020)
