Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has once again set the bar for excellence, transforming the face of health care for kids with disabilities. Following a rigorous review by Accreditation Canada this past October, the hospital achieved Exemplary Standing, the highest level possible, scoring 100 per cent for the fourth consecutive cycle – an unprecedented achievement in safety.

Accreditation is an international, voluntary peer review process that evaluates health care organizations against rigorous national standards every four years. The process includes an onsite survey where Accreditation Canada surveyors observe care in action and engage directly with staff, clients, families and partners. They examine patient safety protocols, clinical practices, quality improvement systems, governance and leadership, to ensure hospitals deliver safe, high-quality care and continuously improve.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the work we have done to demonstrate the qualities of excellence, compassion and safe care that is truly a hallmark of Holland Bloorview,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO. “Holland Bloorview is deeply committed to providing the best and safest client-centred care for the children, youth and families we serve. Scoring 100 per cent for the fourth consecutive cycle is an extraordinary achievement and a reflection of the dedication, expertise and compassion of our entire team and the clients and families we serve.” 

A truly special and magical place

Accreditation Canada surveyors described Holland Bloorview as a “truly special and magical place” where clients, families, volunteers, staff and physicians feel valued and supported. Here are some of the observations that set us apart:

• Clients and families consistently describe staff and physicians as kind, patient and deeply caring.
• The leadership team was praised for being approachable, collaborative and committed to continuous improvement. The Board was recognized for strong governance and diversity, including Indigenous representation.
• Surveyors commended our Family Leaders Accreditation Group (FLAG) and the authentic inclusion of lived experience in decision-making, program design and quality improvement.
• Initiatives like the Motion Analysis Centre, Clinical Brain Computer Interface Program, and the Extensive Needs Service were cited as examples of research-clinical collaboration driving better outcomes.
• A proactive approach to addressing systemic and Indigenous-specific racism, and embedding IDEAA principles into care and hiring, was highlighted as exemplary.
• Programs such as Caring Safely, daily safety briefs and bedside medication verification have led to measurable improvements, including a 40.9 per cent reduction in medication incidents and a 35 per cent decrease in staff injuries.
• Client and family voices are integrated into every aspect of care - from space design to policy development - creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
• The HB2030 strategic plan was widely understood and embraced across the organization, forming a foundation for collective action. The commitment to bringing the strategic plan to life is evident, with every member of the organization working towards shared goals and objectives.

What this achievement means

“This feels like a full-circle moment,” recalls Alifa Khan, family leader and FLAG co-chair. “I’ve seen firsthand how deeply Holland Bloorview values the voices of clients and families. This achievement proves that when we co-design and co-create, we build a health system that truly reflects equity, safety, and inclusion.”

Zach, a client, describes the impact Holland Bloorview has had on his life: “Holland Bloorview has shaped so much of my journey. From physio to aquatics, this place offers incredible programs, but it’s more than a hospital. It’s where kids like me come to achieve our goals, whether that’s recovering from surgery or learning to walk with a walker. The team here is always ready to help in any way they can.”

Zach adds, “One of my favorite examples is camp. When I was little, my parents struggled to find a summer camp that worked for me. Then someone at Holland Bloorview mentioned Spiral Garden, and that summer changed everything. Where else can you find a hospital that not only provides care but also creates spaces for kids to have fun and make memories? These programs, and the amazing people behind them, are why Holland Bloorview has had such a lasting impact on me and so many others.”

Shiv Kirat Deol, manager of quality and performance adds, “Accreditation is about making sure the care we provide is safe, compassionate and truly world-class. It’s a way for families to know they can trust us with what matters most: their children’s health and wellbeing.”

She concludes, “Achieving 100 per cent for the fourth consecutive cycle is something we can all be proud of. It speaks to the dedication, passion, and teamwork that define Holland Bloorview. Every person here, whether at the bedside, behind the scenes, or in the community, played a role in this incredible accomplishment. This is a reflection of who we are and the promise we make every day to kids and families.”

Holland Bloorview is raising the bar for itself and for kids within and beyond our walls – setting new best practices and standards of care in pediatric disability. This achievement is a proud moment for the entire Holland Bloorview community. It reflects the hospital’s shared commitment to Caring Safely: All Safe, Always, and aligns with its HB2030 strategic plan goals of delivering care that is agile, socially accountable and transformed by research and education.

Learn more about our Caring Safely initiative.

By Terry Mutuku