Essential Steps to Take When Preparing for NABH Audit

We are consulting an industrial catering client since 2024, providing them with expert advice and support to enhance their operations and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Recently, they had a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) audit visit, as one of their sites is located within a hospital setting. This audit is crucial for maintaining quality standards in healthcare services, and it ensures that the catering operations meet the rigorous requirements set forth by NABH.

In light of this upcoming audit, the client requested that I conduct a thorough site visit to assess their readiness for the NABH audit and to evaluate their compliance with relevant guidelines. This involved a comprehensive review of their processes, documentation, and overall preparedness for the audit.

At the specific site in question, they were serving a diverse range of patients with various medical conditions, which necessitated the preparation of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The catering team was tasked with cooking an array of dishes, including popular South Indian and North Indian cuisines, tailored to meet the dietary needs of the patients. This diversity in cuisine not only reflects the cultural preferences of the patient population but also emphasizes the importance of nutritional balance in hospital food services.

To effectively address the client's needs, I planned for a comprehensive one-week visit. The primary objectives during this period were to conduct an in-depth audit of the facility, identify any existing gaps in compliance, and provide training to the staff to ensure they were well-prepared for the upcoming audit.

DAY 1:

On the first day, I commenced with an observation visit in the morning, during which I meticulously noted down all identified gaps in the operations. The site manager was instrumental in guiding me through various departments, providing insights into the daily functioning and specific challenges faced by the catering team. After touring the production area, I took the opportunity to review all food safety-related documents and checklists, ensuring that the necessary protocols were in place and adhered to.

DAY 2:

On the second day, I arranged a gathering for the staff, organized by department, to facilitate an open discussion regarding NABH audit preparedness. During this session, I provided a concise yet informative brief on what the NABH audit entails, the significance of compliance, and the expectations from each team member. This gathering was vital for fostering a sense of teamwork and collective responsibility among the staff, ensuring everyone understood their role in the audit process.

DAY 3:

On the third day, I performed a detailed internal audit of the facility. This involved assessing compliance with established standards and identifying any non-conformities (NCs). Following the identification of these NCs, I implemented a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan to address each issue. This proactive approach ensured that all identified gaps were promptly closed, and the team was made aware of the necessary steps to prevent recurrence.

DAY 4:

The fourth day was dedicated to conducting classroom training sessions for all departments. These sessions covered a variety of essential topics, including food safety protocols, the importance of preventing cross-contamination, optimal storage conditions for different food items, and maintaining appropriate holding temperatures. By equipping the staff with this knowledge, we aimed to enhance their skills and ensure they were fully prepared to uphold the highest standards during the audit.

DAY 5 and DAY 6:

During the fifth and sixth days, I focused on implementing monitoring procedures for the processes we had established. This involved setting up regular checks and balances to ensure that the improvements made were being sustained over time. Continuous monitoring is crucial in maintaining compliance and ensuring that the staff remains vigilant in their adherence to food safety standards.

After the NABH audit, the site manager reached out to me personally to share the positive outcome of the audit. He informed me that the audit had gone smoothly and that no major or critical non-conformities were raised by the auditor. His satisfaction with the process and the results was evident, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the entire team throughout the preparation phase.