Naval Hospital Guam to undergo accreditation survey

The Joint Commission and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) inspection teams will conduct their 2016 triennial survey at Naval Hospital Guam (NHG) and its branch medical and dental clinics at Naval Base Guam on May 9-12, 2016.

The purpose of the survey by the Joint Commission and MEDIG is to evaluate the compliance of NHG and its branch clinics with nationally established Joint Commission and Navy standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The inspection is conducted approximately every three years at U.S. Navy medical treatment facilities with the survey results used to determine whether, and the conditions under which, accreditation should be awarded to Naval Hospital Guam.

By becoming an accredited organization, NHG enhances community confidence. Additionally, it provides a report card for the public, offers an objective evaluation of the organization’s performance, stimulates the organization’s quality improvement efforts, aids in professional staff recruitment, and provides a staff education tool for the hospital.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. By asking for accreditation, Naval Hospital Guam agrees to be measured against national standards set by health care professionals. An accredited organization substantially complies with Joint Commission standards and continuously makes efforts to improve the care and service provided.

Joint Commission standards deal with organizational quality of care issues and the safety of the environment in which care is provided. The Joint Commission survey team usually consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, administrators and a facilities expert. The surveyors will evaluate NHG’s compliance with established standards and identify strengths and weaknesses. The overall goal is not merely to find problems, but also to provide education and consultation so health care organizations can improve.

Patients and staff members may contact a Joint Commission surveyor during this survey and request a public information interview. For an appointment, please call (360) 475-4707 or 4107.

Concerns may also be brought to the attention of the Joint Commission Office at their official website: http://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx; or by calling 1-800-994-6610 or email patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org or with the Medical Inspector General by calling 301-295-9009 or by email at: NavyMEDIGHotline@mail.mil.