On November 9th, 2004 Fairfield Animal Hospital passed our daylong accreditation inspection to become an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified hospital.  We consider this to be a major achievement in our goal of providing outstanding veterinary services to our patients.  Our hospital will receive regular in-depth inspections by AAHA inspectors to assure we are maintaining its quality of services deemed appropriate by its AAHA Association. 

 

What are AAHA Standards?

 

Since 1933, AAHA's leaders and other veterinary experts have developed specific written standards for companion animal practices.  These standards have undergone numerous changes, but none so significant as the recent enhancements.  The enhanced standards were developed in order to raise the bar of veterinary excellence.  We wanted to ensure they reflect the developments made over the past 10 years in veterinary medicine in addition to AAHA's team philosophy.  We recognize that practice team members make significant contributions to the delivery of quality care and the overall success of every veterinary practice.

 

The enhanced standards cover the following areas:

 

Anesthesia:  Methods for assessing anesthetic needs in patients and appropriateness of equipment

Client Service:  Communicates well with clients during all aspects of their visit

Contagious Disease:  Protocols, processes and facilities to handle contagious diseases and avoid outbreaks

Continuing Education:  Continuing education tools and opportunities for staff members

Dentistry:  Safe dental procedures that protect both the patient and staff members

Diagnostic Imaging:  Adequate equipment to generate quality diagnostic images and utilizes proper procedures and equipment to protect staff members from radiation

Emergency/Urgent Care:  Equipment handling and process for emergencies

Examination Facilities:  Properly equipped for through examinations

Housekeeping and Maintenance:  Cleanliness

Human Resources:  Handling of personnel matters

Laboratory:  Laboratory services for the prompt diagnosis of patients

Leadership:  Leadership's commitment to creating a positive work environment and providing high-quality care

Medical Records:  Continuity of care through medical record details

Pain Management:  Pain assessment, management and training

Patient Care:  Humane and advantageous care to patients during all aspects of their visit

Pharmacy:  Proper handling, storing and dispensing of medications

Safety:  Safety of environment for patients, clients and team

Satellite Practice:  Satellite facilities comply with applicable AAHA Standards of Accreditation

Surgery:  Patient safety in an aseptic environment with appropriate pre- and post-operative considerations