ParaMed Earns Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada

MARKHAM, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 25, 2013) - Accreditation Canada announced on March 22, 2013 that it had awarded the highest accreditation rating "Accredited with Exemplary Standing" to ParaMed Home Health Care following the completion of a week-long, rigorous survey conducted from March 4-8, 2013.

"We are extremely proud of our staff, management and leadership teams for displaying the qualities that make-up a truly remarkable home care organization," said Sue Pearl-Agar, Vice President, ParaMed. "It is our belief that this award officially recognizes the hard work, compassion and dedication that all ParaMed employees, at every level of the organization, show each and every day."

Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care and accredits health organizations in Canada and around the world. There are four possible accreditation decision outcomes; Not Accredited, Accredited, Accredited with Commendation and the highest level - Accredited with Exemplary Standing. Accredited with Exemplary Standing requires an organization to meet all required organizational practices, achieve compliance to a minimum of 95% of high priority criteria and meet all instrument threshold requirements in addition to demonstrating excellent performance and quality throughout operations.

"This recognition demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve, our customers and clients and our partners in the home care sector," said Samantha Hamilton, Director Quality, Risk and Operational Support. "We believe in continuous quality improvement and this accreditation result recognizes the pride we take and demonstrable achievements ParaMed has made in being the quality home care provider of choice. We will continue to review practices and processes to ensure we are providing the quality and exceptional experiences that go along with this remarkable achievement."

Highlights from Accreditation Canada included surveyor comments such as:

• "The quality of care at ParaMed is unequivocal; responding to client need is a strength of ParaMed's; there is an obvious drive to connect quickly and effectively with the client."
• "ParaMed has achieved that magical mix of balancing corporate direction with local aspects."
• "The loyalty of ParaMed staff is amazing; staff members are marvelous with their clients and demonstrate a great respect for their clients. Assignment Coordinators are amazing at blending both art and science while talking with clients in order to match up the best professional and personal fit for each client."

Surveys also heard client comments that included:

• "The nurse who comes in for me doesn't just care for my wounds but cares for me."

ParaMed Home Health Care is proud of this substantial achievement demonstrating excellence and quality in the delivery of care in Alberta and Ontario.

About ParaMed Home Health Care

Since 1974, ParaMed has been providing quality 24-hour health care and support services in Canadian homes, hospitals, assisted living centres, long term care centres, schools and businesses. ParaMed's services and options for both home and the workplace are as diverse as the clients that it serves. ParaMed is a division of Extendicare (Canada) Inc., which in turn is wholly owned subsidiary of Extendicare Inc. For more information about ParaMed, please visit www.paramed.com.