NGH, WHGH, NHNH and Holmes House awarded Accreditation with Commendation
Joint survey highlights a historic partnership and a shared commitment to exceptional rural health care.
Norfolk General Hospital (NGH), West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH), Holmes House, and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) — four health care organizations serving Haldimand-Norfolk — have been awarded Accreditation with Commendation by Accreditation Canada, a national designation recognizing excellence in patient and resident care, safety, and organizational performance.
Earlier this year, NGH and WHGH launched a new mission and vision focused on delivering high-quality, integrated, and innovative care, and fostering healthier communities through exceptional rural health care, close to home. That commitment — and a shared dedication to quality and safety across all sites — was evident during a recent accreditation review.
This achievement also reflects the first time that NGH, WHGH, Holmes House, and NHNH participated in a joint accreditation survey — marking a historic milestone in regional collaboration.
“Being awarded Accreditation with Commendation is a significant achievement — one that reflects the strength of our care teams and the trust our communities place in us,” says Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home and West Haldimand General Hospital. “Accreditation is a powerful tool for continuous learning. It’s a valuable opportunity to assess how we’re doing, celebrate our strengths, and identify where we can grow. It has reaffirmed our commitment to safe, high-quality, and compassionate care — and it gives our patients, residents, and communities confidence that they are receiving care that truly meets national standards.”
Accreditation with Commendation is a national designation awarded to organizations that go beyond the basic requirements of accreditation and demonstrate a deep culture of continuous improvement. The survey focused on several key areas including patient safety, governance, ethics, inclusion, and community engagement.
Together, the four organizations achieved 98% compliance with Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) — a rigorous set of standards designed to ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality care.
Highlights from the survey
Accreditation Canada conducted the on-site survey in early 2025. In their final report, Accreditation Canada surveyors identified several strengths across the organizations:
- Compassionate, collaborative teams – Staff and physicians were described as deeply engaged, knowledgeable, and caring.
- Proactive safety measures – The introduction of 24-hour security and enhanced infection prevention practices was praised.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion – The launch of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism) initiative and the development of an Indigenous reconciliation plan were recognized as meaningful and forward-looking steps.
- Resident and patient experience – The Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) and resident satisfaction at NHNH were cited as models of community engagement.
- Strong partnerships – Transparent collaboration across sites and with external community partners was seen as a regional strength.
“To be recognized on a national level is incredibly meaningful,” says Stephanie Pongracz-Clarysse, Chair of the Norfolk General Hospital Board of Directors. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and compassion of everyone across our organizations. It reflects the incredible teamwork of our staff, physicians, volunteers, and community partners — all working together to deliver safe, high-quality care close to home. We are proud of this recognition and deeply grateful for the people who made it possible.”
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible dedication, skill, and commitment our teams bring to their work every day,” says Haley McIntosh, Chair of the West Haldimand General Hospital Board of Directors. “To be recognized nationally is an extraordinary accomplishment — and it validates the work we’re doing across our sites. It also challenges us to keep moving forward. We’re building a stronger, more integrated health system for the people of Haldimand and Norfolk — and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
“There is a deep sense of pride in receiving this recognition — and it belongs to every staff member who helps make NHNH a safe, caring, and welcoming home,” says Ken Robb, Chair of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Board of Directors. “Our team works with compassion and professionalism every day to support the residents who live here. This designation affirms that commitment to quality and person-centered care, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
About Accreditation Canada
Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets health care standards in Canada and around the world. For more than 55 years, it has helped organizations measure performance, improve systems, and deliver safe, high-quality care.
Learn more at: www.accreditation.ca
Media Contact:
Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454
