Meet Mr Bassel El Sayegh, Regional Director – ACHS International Middle East
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight where we introduce our great team who work tirelessly to support ACHS International Members.
In this edition, we meet Mr Bassel El Sayegh, Regional Director – ACHS International Middle East
1. Tell us about your journey with ACHSI, how long have you been working here?
I have been working with ACHSI for four years. As the Regional Director at ACHSI, I am deeply committed to advancing healthcare quality and safety on a global scale. My career in healthcare is fuelled by a passion for excellence in healthcare delivery and operational efficiency, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes.
2. How does your role support ACHSI Members?
As the Regional Director of ACHSI, I focus on advancing healthcare quality and safety on a global scale. My work involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and working with a team dedicated to upholding international quality and safety standards. My background in Biochemistry and experience across diverse healthcare markets and accreditation agencies equip me with the skills necessary to address global healthcare challenges effectively and recommend options for continuous quality improvement.
3. What do you find most rewarding about working in the healthcare sector?
What I find most rewarding about working in healthcare is being part of a sector that continuously strives to improving patient outcomes, advancing healthcare quality, and contributing to healthcare innovation, which provides safer care to people and our communities.
4. What comes to mind when you think of healthcare quality improvement?
When considering healthcare quality improvement, I'm deeply drawn to several key aspects. These include prioritising patient safety, embracing evidence-based practices, fostering continuous enhancement, relying on data-driven approaches, and advocating for health equity. I'm particularly intrigued by leadership roles, innovative strategies, and the adoption of global best practices within the realm of healthcare quality improvement.
5. What is a memorable interaction you have had with a Member?
When I first joined ACHSI, I encountered a member who was mandated by their government to pursue accreditation yet held minimal belief in the significance of quality improvement and accreditation. Over the course of three years of guiding the organisation in quality and safety improvements, strategic planning, innovation, adapting global best practices to local contexts, and providing networking opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery, we witnessed a significant difference in the quality culture of this member and the organisation valued the partnership. This was something memorable for me as it resonates with the benefits of the work, we do daily to achieve patient safety.
6. Which healthcare figure or organisation most inspires you?
Healthcare organisations that inspire me are the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Both organisations share a commitment to improving healthcare quality and safety. ACHS has a strong emphasis on accreditation and standards within Australia and internationally, providing a structured framework for healthcare organisations to measure and improve their performance. IHI focuses on a range of quality improvement initiatives and education, with a strong emphasis on innovation and global health system reform.
My interest in global healthcare quality and safety improvements draws inspiration from both organisations. ACHS’s robust accreditation processes and focus on continuous improvement aligns with my dedication to providing healthcare organisations with high healthcare standards. At the same time, IHI’s innovative approaches to tackling healthcare challenges and its commitment to global health equity resonates with my vision for healthcare improvement.
Both ACHS and IHI contribute valuable perspectives and methodologies to the global healthcare improvement landscape, and their respective strengths and areas of focus complement the multifaceted nature of healthcare quality and safety efforts.
7. How do you practise self-care?
I practise self-care by prioritising physical health, mental and emotional well-being, setting boundaries, engaging in hobbies, and seeking support when needed. At the same time, recognising the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being.
8. What healthcare topic most interests you?
Global Healthcare Quality Improvement and Patient Safety stands out as a topic of significant interest. This area encapsulates the challenges and opportunities in improving patient care, operational efficiency, and healthcare delivery across different cultural and regulatory contexts.
