01-08-2025
Three Louth hospitals awarded prestigious international nursing accreditation
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (Drogheda), Louth County Hospital (Dundalk), and the Cottage Community Hospital (Dunleer) have been awarded the Pathway to Excellence® accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) - a global benchmark in recognising healthcare organisations that foster positive practice environments for nurses.
The accreditation reflects the hospitals' commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplaces, with an emphasis on staff well-being, shared decision-making, and professional development, all of which directly contribute to improved patient care.
Adrian Cleary, Director of Nursing, said: 'The Pathway to Excellence® designation will put us on the global map as a positive and inclusive place to practice nursing. This recognition supports better outcomes for our patients through nursing excellence and ensures we continue to attract and retain the very best nurses.'
The journey to accreditation was rigorous. Over the past 12 months, Louth's nursing team, many of whom had participated in the EU Magnet4Europe research programme compiled a 700-page evidence-based submission and participated in a comprehensive staff survey. The survey achieved an exceptional 85% response rate.
The Pathway to Excellence® framework outlines six core standards for a high-quality nursing environment: Shared Decision-Making, Leadership, Safety, Quality, Well-being, and Professional Development.
Patrick Clerkin, Integrated Healthcare Manager for Louth/Meath, said: 'This recognition highlights how we continually strive to improve patient care and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. It also helps us to identify improvements needed to ensure the best experience for both staff and patients.'
The accreditation not only elevates the profile of nursing in Louth but also supports a long-term vision of building resilient, highly skilled, and motivated teams across all healthcare settings in the region.
The ANCC's Pathway to Excellence® programme is considered the premier international designation for healthy work environments in healthcare, positively impacting staff retention, job satisfaction, safety standards, and patient experience.
