Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay recently received accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks. Lt. Ashley Russell, laboratory department head, USHNGB deemed the achievement a gold star standard for facilities offering transfusion services.

The AABB website states assessment includes quality and operational systems within a facility. Basis for assessment include compliance with standards, code of federal regulations and federal guidance documents.

"We were evaluated on all aspects of blood bank and transfusion services which include more than 1,000 standards," Russell said. A few examples include procedures from beginning to end relating to delivery of blood to a patient, procedures for receiving shipment of blood products and maintaining correct refrigeration temperatures.

Although inspection is scheduled to occur every two years, Russell explained his team maintains a stellar standard at all times.

Our formula for success is to concentrate on providing the best possible care by always following set guidelines and regulations. With this philosophy, passing inspection is a byproduct rather than the driving force.

"I am very proud the audit went well, but I wasn't surprised," Capt. Paula Chamberlain, executive officer, NHGB said. "Accreditation proves my confidence in this team is valid."

U.S. Navy Hospital Guantanamo Bay embraces providing world-class care by maintaining a reputation for sustaining one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any military treatment facility in the Navy. The patient population of approximately 5,500 includes military family members, government civilian employees and their families, special category residents, contractors, foreign nationals and migrants.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.

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