DGMC receives on-site review

  • Published
  • By Jim Spellman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE --  David Grant USAF Medical Center was notified Nov. 26 that the Joint Commission will conduct an unannounced accreditation survey. The week-long inspection period started Monday and ended Thursday afternoon. The results of the Commission's out brief will appear in the Jan. 3 Tailwind.

Approximately every 36 months, Air Force hospitals are required to submit to an accreditation survey conducted by the Joint Commission, a pre-eminent national accrediting organization. This is in fulfillment of both Department of Defense and Air Force requirements for inpatient facilities across the Military Health Service.

"Most public and private hospitals in the United States are Joint Commission accredited, since this is acknowledged as the gold standard for external validation that patient care services are effectively managed and professionally administered," said Col. Doreen Wilder, 60th Medical Group hospital administrator. "At DGMC, this is also important for our graduate medical education and officer and enlisted specialty training, since such training is most often conducted in accredited healthcare organizations."

Joint Commission accreditation carries the recognition that DGMC adheres to the same standards in providing safe patient care that other accredited institutions across the U.S. adhere to. It also communicates that DGMC physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, technical and support staff meet or exceed standards associated with their roles in patient care nationwide.

"The accreditation process touched every part of our organization and led to process improvement," said Dr. Hal Teitelbaum, chief executive officer of Crystal Run Healthcare of Middleton, N.Y., a national leader in healthcare reform and one of the fastest growing multi-specialty group practices in the country. "That's the number one reason to get accredited."

DGMC's last survey was in July 2011. The flagship hospital of the Air Force Medical Service received an "Accredited for All Services" rating and three-year accreditation at the conclusion of the inspection.

"It's important that all our beneficiaries know patient safety is our No. 1 priority," said Col. (Dr.) Kevin Connolly, 60th MDG commander. "Without safe care, we cannot provide quality care."

DGMC has patient advocates in each clinical and ancillary area to address any concerns about access, patient care or other subjects that may be important. If you need to speak to DGMC's patient relations coordinator, call 423-2388.

Any patient, family or staff member who continues to have concern about the safety or quality of care provided at DGMC can contact the Joint Commission weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Time toll free at 1-800-994-6610.