Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler announced today that the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA), and the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency (TCSA) have once again achieved system-wide accreditation status from Accreditation Canada.

System accreditation is a significant achievement for the health and social services system in the Northwest Territories. It signals that the system meets fundamental national standards of practice, policies, and programs.

Being accredited demonstrates that NWT residents are receiving care and services that meet national standards.

Accreditation is an intensive and ongoing process that assesses health systems against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and where improvements can be made. 

Quote

“The re-accreditation of our Health and Social Services Authorities by Accreditation Canada demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality care and services. Being accredited confirms that we follow national standards of excellence thanks to the hard work and dedication of health care staff. We remain committed to the continual improvement of our health care system so that residents receive the best care possible.” 

   -   Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick Facts

• Accreditation Canada, the leading healthcare accreditation organization in the country, has issued a status of "Accredited” for all three NWT Health and Social Services Authorities.
• The rigorous accreditation process examines policies, systems, and practices to ensure health and social services systems meet best practices.
• This process helps create better services, enhances quality and safety, increases efficiency, and reduces risk, ultimately benefiting residents.
• It is an intensive and ongoing process, helping to identify areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement.
• This status confirms that the Authorities are providing high-quality care and services, adhering to national standards of excellence.
• The 2024 accreditation survey marks the second assessment of all three Health and Social Services Authorities in the NWT.  
• Earlier this year, surveys and site visits reviewed programs and services against national standards from Accreditation Canada and the Health Standards Organization.
• HRHSSA received a 95% compliance rate, NTHSSA received a 97% compliance rate, and TCSA received a 99.5% compliance rate by Accreditation Canada Standards. All three Authorities are now accredited until April 2029.

Related Links

• Accreditation Canada
• Health Standards Organization
• Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Accreditation Report
• Hay River Health and Social Services Authority Accreditation Report
• Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency Accreditation Report

For media requests, please contact: 

Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications 
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories 
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca 
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034