Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) celebrated National Patient Safety Awareness Week with a Patient Safety Fair, March 16, which featured more than 30 booths.

The booths were set up by staff that showcased a variety of safety techniques and strategies. The intent of the fair was to show the numerous safety precautions NMCP takes to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

"As a proud partner of the National Patient Safety Foundation, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and our branch health clinics are excited to participate in Patient Safety Awareness Week," said Capt. Bradford Smith, executive officer. "The goal of this week is to raise awareness of our patient safety activities and develop lasting partnerships among our staff, our patients and our community."

As this year's theme is "United in Safety," the focus of NMCP's efforts is to engage patients, family members and staff.

Awards were presented to the top three displays, as well as an honorable mention and a most corrective action award. First place was awarded to Branch Health Clinic Oceana, second place to the Healthcare Simulation and Bioskills Center, third place to the Gastroenterology Clinic, while the honorable mention went to Catherine Fox of the Directorate of Quality Management. The most corrective action award was presented to Christine Zirpoli, nutritionist.

First-place winner, Branch Health Clinic Oceana, used their display of "House Safety" to stress the importance that safety does not end at discharge from a medical facility. The booth informed guests about how to prevent falls after taking prescribed medicines, and to prevent fires by remembering to unplug an iron before they take pain medication.

A second-year participant in the Patient Safety Fair, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Matthew Sheeley, said he enjoyed the experience.

"It's a great opportunity for patients and staff to see all the visual aids. A lot of these patient safety terms are heard frequently but to actually see booths and understand the ins and outs of safety is great for the staff and the patients."

Representatives of the Gastroenterology Clinic took full advantage of the fair to discuss proper scope processing because it's crucial to patients' safety. As illustrated at their booth, if flexible endoscopes or endoscopic accessories are not properly processed, patients can be exposed to contaminants from prior patients. This could result in the transmission of pathogens and affect large numbers of people.

"Informed and engaged patients and family members are critical to safe patient care," Smith added. "The highlight of the week is this Patient Safety Awareness Fair. I am proud of the work our staff does every day to provide a safe environment to ensure NMCP is a leading health care facility in our community and in the Navy."


For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/.