96th MDG scores 'excellent' on health inspection

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 96th Medical Group received an overall rating of 'excellent' following an Air Force Inspection Agency Health Services Inspection in June, with a score of 91.

The AFIA's Medical Directorate sent inspectors to Eglin's hospital to conduct the HSI, done every three years. The HSI is equivalent to a unit compliance inspection for medical units.

According to Lidia Webb, the 96th MDG quality manager, the major categories inspected were expeditionary medical operations, in-garrison medical operations, and oversight and management. There were 66 individual elements under these categories, Webb said.

Expeditionary medical operations evaluates medical readiness, operational medicine and occupational and environmental health. In-garrison medical operations evaluates public health, dentistry, mental health, and clinical services. Oversight and management evaluates executive oversight and business management.

The 96th MDG prepared for the visit with both Air Force-required and 96th Test Wing self-inspection programs, Webb said.

"We do self-assessments of compliance with all of the standards on a semi-annual basis," she said. "For anything we find not in full compliance, we put in action plans for corrective action."

Col. Gary Walker, the 96th MDG commander, delivered the HSI results to his personnel July 20 at the enlisted hall and thanked them for their efforts in the successful outcome.

"This rigorous inspection by the AFIA's team of professionals, who are experts at uncovering compliance issues, just validates what we already knew - the 96 MDG is truly among the best in the Air Force Medical Service," he said. "Many of our patients have choices in where they receive their medical care. The fact that they keep coming back, and our number of enrollees continues to grow, is tangible evidence that the 96th MDG is providing "excellent" medical care for America's best patients."

The 96th MDG was also visited by the Joint Commission, the accrediting body for all inpatient hospitals in the Department of Defense, July 18-20. Accreditation is a way of evaluating a hospital's quality and safety. It is an audit of the actual delivery of critical services and patient care.

The Joint Commission commented on the excellent care administered by 96th MDG's radiology staff, noting their attention to radiation safety while examining a pregnant patient, Webb said. They also commented on the professionalism of the staff and their pride in their workplace and programs. A final accreditation decision is forthcoming.

"Undergoing the Health Services Inspection and the Joint Commission accreditation survey was challenging, but well worth the effort," Webb said. "Receiving high marks from these organizations attests  the 96th MDG is making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down."