Cayman’s only independently accredited medical laboratories successfully achieve reaccreditation

The Cayman Islands Pathology Laboratory in Grand Cayman and Faith Hospital Laboratory in Cayman Brac - the islands’ only independently accredited medical laboratories - continue to maintain their reputation for safety and excellence by Joint Commission International (JCI) standards with their successful reaccreditation.

To meet the strict accreditation standards of the JCI accreditation survey, the laboratories within HSA had to fulfil several prerequisites to ensure a safe environment that reduces risks, ensures quality improvement, enhances patient outcomes and experience, improves efficiency, and reduces costs through standardised laboratory processes.

JCI surveyors conducted an extensive review of several areas from the prevention and control of laboratory infections and quality control processes to facilities management, safety and staff qualification/education. Surveyors commended the laboratory for being technically strong and proficient, with accurate and reliable test results backed by robust quality control processes.

Commenting on the accomplishment, Laboratory Manager Judith Clarke stated, “This reaccreditation affirms our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services. It reinforces the dedication and teamwork of our entire staff, from governance to housekeeping. We have strengthened our team with doctors and consultants overseeing critical areas, and every staff member played a role in the preparation and execution of the accreditation survey.”

The survey is conducted on a triennial basis and HSA laboratory has a distinguished accreditation history, having been accredited since 2015 and successfully reaccredited in 2018, 2021, and now 2024.

Both HSA pathology laboratories are the only two medical laboratories in the Cayman Islands independently accredited by JCI.

“Laboratory accreditation, which is separate from hospital accreditation, is a stringent and in-depth survey that drills down into the greater details of our laboratory processes. A more detailed assessment is carried out in all disciplines of the laboratory which demonstrates laboratory quality and competence,” explained Ms. Clarke.

The Health Services Authority laboratories remain committed to excellence, ensuring the highest quality of care for the community they serve. The laboratory (phlebotomy) service at the George Town Hospital operates Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM and on Saturday at 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

The HSA also offer on-site laboratory services at the Smith Road Medical Centre, 2nd Floor Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5pm.