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Quality Management System

SummitCare has a commitment to excellence in the provision of quality aged care services and employee development. SummitCare completed a review of the 2004-2007 Strategic plan in January 2008. The 2008-2011 Strategic Plan encompasses five domains - residents, people, resources, quality and leadership. Our Quality Management System Framework provides a practical means of driving performance improvement across the organisation and ensuring that desired outcomes for each of these domains are met.

SummitCare's Quality Management System Framework has link pins in four key areas including drivers, enablers, evidence and a focus. The Framework is an integrated leadership and management system that describes the essential features, characteristics and approaches of SummitCare's Quality Management Systems that promote sustainable and excellent performance. Application of the key areas of the Framework will ensure organisational improvement and success.

The Framework defines seven performance categories that are interrelated, and will ensure that SummitCare Vision of "Working Together to Provide Peace of Mind" is achieved. The performance categories include Residents, Results, Information and Analysis, Strategy and Planning, Processes and Services, People and Leadership.

Residents are "our main focus" at SummitCare, and they sit at the pinnacle of our Quality Management System Framework, with all other components of the system driving or enabling a resident focused approach.

Evidence that the Quality Management System is effective and sustainable is obtained through feedback, process analysis, organisational performance, and outcomes from internal and external process benchmarking. The Performance Measures Matrix identifies specific measures, compliance aims and outcomes of quality activities for SummitCare.

Four key enablers for the Quality Management System Framework include Information and Analysis, Strategy and Planning, Processes and Services, and People. Information and Analysis includes the information systems that are used within SummitCare to ensure that effective communication occurs. Strategy and Planning includes the development, implementation and evaluation of plans developed for the operation of the organisation. Processes and Services include all Quality Management System Manuals, and other tools utilised to streamline organisational operations. People includes how SummitCare ensures employee involvement and development through education and training, outline of their roles and responsibilities and a framework for recognition and satisfaction.

Leadership is the key driver for the organisation and is integral to the success of SummitCare and the Quality Management System. Leadership encompasses SummitCare's Vision, Mission, Values, Organisational Structure, Delegation Schedule and Operating Principles, and is supported by our Working in Groups Structure.

SummitCare acknowledges that they utilised components of the principles of the Australian Business Excellence Framework and the NSW Health Quality Framework in the development of its' Quality Management System Framework.