TCI Hospital Leaders Complete Advanced Accreditation Canada Internal Assessor Training in Barbados

Three senior leaders from the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital successfully completed an intensive Accreditation Canada International Internal Assessor Training Programme held in Barbados from June 1–3, 2026, further strengthening the organization's commitment to quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement.

Representing InterHealth Canada TCI Limited and the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital were: Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services and Ms. Isha Honore, Quality, Risk and Patient Safety Manager.

The three-day programme, hosted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, brought together healthcare quality and patient safety leaders from across the Caribbean, including participants from Barbados, Saint Lucia, Bermuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The training was facilitated by Ms. Patricia Somers, Healthcare Improvement Advisor, International Accreditation, Dr. Ali Hojjati, Senior Clinical Advisor, International Accreditation and Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, Regional Director of International Operations, Accreditation Canada.

The programme was designed to equip selected healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to serve as Internal Assessors within their organizations. Participants received advanced training aligned with Accreditation Canada's internationally recognized Qmentum accreditation programme and survey methodology.

The training focused on tracer methodology, survey preparation, quality assessment techniques, effective interviewing and observation skills, performance rating, priority processes, mock surveys, and strategies for identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement within healthcare organizations.

Unlike traditional classroom-based quality improvement programmes, the Internal Assessor Training combined theory and practical application. Participants completed a full day of classroom learning followed by a day of hands-on tracer activities within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, conducting both clinical and administrative assessments under the guidance of Accreditation Canada facilitators.

The practical tracer exercises included assessments of ambulatory care services, emergency services, integrated quality management, infection prevention and control, diagnostic imaging, human capital, resource management, and other key organizational functions.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital team joined a cohort of healthcare leaders and quality professionals from across the region, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking, and the exchange of best practices.

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of InterHealth Canada TCI Limited, emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in healthcare quality leadership. "This programme provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our expertise in accreditation, quality management, and patient safety. As an organization that has maintained Accreditation Canada International accreditation at the highest level since 2012, it is essential that we continue building internal capacity and developing leaders who can drive quality improvement throughout our organization. The training also reinforced the importance of regional collaboration and learning from colleagues across the Caribbean who share a commitment to healthcare excellence."

Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, highlighted the value of the practical tracer exercises. "One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to apply Accreditation Canada survey methodologies in a real healthcare environment. The tracer activities provided practical experience in assessing the quality, safety, and consistency of care processes. These skills strengthen our ability to evaluate our own systems and identify opportunities to enhance patient outcomes and clinical effectiveness."

Ms. Isha Honore, Quality, Risk and Patient Safety Manager, noted that the programme supports the hospital's ongoing quality and accreditation journey. "The Internal Assessor Training served as a valuable refresher and provided additional perspectives on conducting meaningful assessments that focus not only on compliance but also on continuous improvement. The programme strengthened our ability to identify risks, evaluate processes, and support evidence-based decision-making. Most importantly, it reinforced the role that every member of the healthcare team plays in delivering safe, high-quality, people-centred care."

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains one of the few healthcare organizations in the Caribbean to consistently achieve Accreditation Canada International accreditation at the highest level. The organization continues to use the Qmentum framework as a cornerstone of its commitment to patient safety, quality improvement, and organizational excellence.