INTRODUCTION TO AUDIT TOOL FOR FACILITIES AT
WA COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICE SITES
The WA Country Health Service Audit Tool provides a means of assessing a WA Country Health Service health service site from a consumer perspective. The tool can be used when there is new development or concerns have been raised by the community about the health service. It is important when using the tool to remember that consumers include people with low literacy skills, people with disabilities, Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is also essential to assess from the point of view of someone who is unfamiliar with the service and/or may be in a crisis situation. Assessment of the criteria should be based on the following health consumer rights:
- Access
- Safety
- Information
- Redress
- Community education.
There are five sections with a number of criteria to be assessed. Mark each criteria with YES, NO or N/A. If the criteria is marked as NO because the criteria is not met please provide additional information in suggested improvements and/or comments columns. If there is insufficient space please use additional comments page marking the information with the relevant number. E.g. 1.3.
The comments column can also be used for positive comments and compliments on areas where the criteria has been met or exceeded.
Section 1 Access
Covers parking, access to the health service, disability access public transport and safety.
Section 2 Signage and Information
Covers resources, signage, brochures, consumer and patient information and maps.
Section 3 Waiting Area
Covers appropriateness and convenience of the waiting area.
Section 4 Emergency Department
Covers promptness of receiving attention, privacy and general helpfulness.
Section 5 Other Departments/Wards
Covers ease of finding departments, facilities and assistance for patients.
When visiting the health service site to carry out audit, it is important to be respectful of the privacy of people using the health service and courteous to staff. Auditors should make themselves known to health service staff and carry District Health Advisory Council identification. How this is done will vary with each health service and should be discussed with health service executive prior to the audit.
