AZ Groeninge in Kortrijk has once again proven its commitment to excellence by securing its fifth consecutive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. This prestigious quality and patient safety certification was reaffirmed on 2025-05-22 12:16:00 after a rigorous audit assessing over 1,200 standards. What does this mean for healthcare in Belgium?
- AZ Groeninge achieves fifth consecutive JCI accreditation
- Auditors identify only 11 improvement points
- JCI standards ensure top patient safety quality
- 3,800 staff and 300 doctors drive success
- Premier and officials publicly congratulate hospital
- Hospital maintains continuous quality improvement efforts
The hospital’s CEO, Inge Buyse, and her entire team celebrated this remarkable achievement, which marks AZ Groeninge as the first hospital in the Benelux region to earn the JCI label five times in a row. With only 11 improvement points identified, the international auditors praised the hospital’s patient-centred approach and motivated staff, highlighting a culture deeply rooted in quality care.
Such an outstanding result raises the question: how does AZ Groeninge maintain these high standards? The answer lies in continuous improvement and dedication, setting a benchmark for Belgian hospitals. Read on for a quick summary of this milestone.
Why does this accomplishment matter for Belgian healthcare? It demonstrates that sustained quality is achievable even for large, complex hospitals. This success is driven by:
- Strong teamwork among 3,800 staff, 300 doctors, and 250 volunteers
- Regular, thorough audits every three years ensuring continuous quality improvement
- Recognition and encouragement from national leaders, including Premier Bart De Wever
- A patient-focused culture embedded deeply within the hospital’s DNA
Looking ahead, AZ Groeninge’s example challenges other Belgian hospitals: how can they elevate their own quality and safety standards? By embracing continuous improvement and teamwork, the future of Belgian healthcare looks promising and patient-centred. Stay tuned for more updates on local healthcare innovations.
