Why Quality Management?

In order to achieve continuous improvement, and in anticipation of changes in its field, the Monaco Cardio-thoracic Centre began the process of ISO 9001 certification in October 2000.

The Monaco Cardio-thoracic Centre was opened in April 1987, and is a dedicated independent medical and surgical unit for the treatment of thoracic and cardiovascular diseases, including the most severe disorders.

The Monaco Cardio-thoracic Centre's quality control procedure involves the following principles:

1. To ensure that patients from any geographical, social or cultural background are treated, however severe their condition and whatever their age (absolutely no selection);
   
   
2. To be responsible for diagnostic and therapeutic work undertaken, with inclusive treatment charges accompanied by a post-operative guarantee;
   
   
3. To enable continuity of care for patients admitted to hospital for planned or emergency care at all times, and to cover payment for cases requiring social care and admissions for humanitarian reasons - any financial adjustments should occur only after treatment is completed;
   
   
4. To make available to healthcare professionals a full range of the highest quality technical equipment, with the latest machines or the most reliable technologies;
   
   
5. Assure that the risk of hospital-acquired infection is constantly monitored and that risks to the safety of assets and individuals are minimised.

These principles may be divided into objectives which are redefined every year during performance reviews.

As part of these measures, the Centre has made a commitment:

• To ensure that changes to its Quality Management Policy are transparent;
• To ensure that resources are adequate to meet its objectives;
• To entrust the Quality Manager with responsibility for overseeing the effectiveness and sustainability of the Quality Management System.

The role, involvement and level of commitment of each participant, whether practitioner, employee or external contractor, must promote comprehensive, effective and individual care for our patients.

Reference: Declaration of the Directors of Monaco Cardio-Thoracic Centre - February 2003

Certification

The Centre was awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification in June 2003 by certifying organisation DNV for its package of measures for patients suffering from cardio-thoracic and vascular diseases (apart from medical treatment).
The validity of the certificate was renewed in June 2009.

Patient satisfaction

A patient satisfaction survey is given to each patient when leaving the hospital. Based on a response rate of 15.3% in 2009, patients' levels of overall satisfaction with their stay at the Monaco Cardiothoracic Centre, according to the survey, are as follows: