The journey to accreditation usually includes the following steps;

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1. Expression of interest in accreditation by a healthcare provider and contacting QHA Trent

2. Signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which includes a non-disclosure and confidentiality (NDC) agreement for both parties

3. A hands-on pre-survey and teaching session for the healthcare provider, delivered by personnel acting on behalf of QHA Trent

4. Access to the relevant QHA Trent standards sets and the QHA Trent scoping documents (governed by the NDC agreement)

5. If the healthcare provider wishes to proceed, a contract is entered into between QHA Trent and the healthcare provider

6. Preparation by the healthcare provider - this period may last for many months and include additional teaching sessions, mock surveys etc., the organising of which is wholly the choice of the healthcare provider, and for which QHA Trent UK and its associates will, for providing such services, ask for additional (negotiable) payment)

7. During this period, the healthcare provider will study and complete the QHA Trent standards sets and scoping documents, and ensure that these are sent to and received by QHA Trent prior to being surveyed

8. A hands-on survey of the healthcare provider, such as the premises of a hospital, clinic or residential care home, by personnel acting on behalf of QHA Trent will take place, on dates negotiated between QHA Trent and the healthcare provider

9. During the survey, QHA Trent surveyors are empowered to go anywhere at any time and to speak to anyone, and will always undertake a night time visit

10. During the survey, QHA Trent will seek to identify areas for commendation as well as areas requiring attention

11. Preparation of a provisional survey report by the surveying team

12. Consideration of the provisional survey report by both the QHA Trent Independent Accreditation Awards Panel (“the Panel”) and by the healthcare provider

13. Meeting of the Panel with management representatives of the healthcare provider and the lead surveyor to discuss any recommendations (any associated costs are borne by the healthcare provider)

14. Decision delivered by the Panel

15. Potential outcomes are “Full accreditation”, “Conditional pass in accreditation subject to conditions” or “Unable to accredit”

16. If “Conditional pass in accreditation subject to conditions” is the decision, and the healthcare provider wishes to continue with the process, a follow-up survey can be arranged if so desired by that healthcare provider, and the results of this further assessment considered by the Panel (any associated costs are borne by the healthcare provider). If the conditions have been met, the Panel will amend the outcome to “Full accreditation”

17. Right of appeal to the QHA Trent Board, if appropriate

18. QHA Trent Accreditation usually lasts for 2 years from the date of the last day of the survey period, although for healthcare providers deemed exceptional the Panel can specify up to a 3 year period

19. A copy of the final report is sent to the healthcare provider



20. A "Certificate of Accreditation" is sent to the healthcare provider





For further information, please check out the video "A picture paints a thousand words."