The Joint Commission (TJC) and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) inspection teams will visit Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) and its branch medical clinics at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Naval Station Everett and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to conduct their triennial survey, Feb. 4-7.

The purpose of the survey by TJC and MEDIG is to evaluate the compliance of NHB 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 military treatment facilities with the survey results used to determine whether, and the conditions under which, accreditation should be awarded to NHB.

By becoming an accredited organization, NHB enhances community confidence, 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.

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, NHB 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.

TJC standards deal with organizational quality of care issues and the safety of the environment in which care is provided. TJC survey "team" usually consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, administrators and a facilities expert. The surveyors will evaluate NHB’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.

A critical component of the inspection is to provide an avenue for staff members and eligible patients to contact the MEDIG team directly to offer comments or concerns. Those wanting to speak to an investigator on the MEDIG team can contact Sonja Pyle at Sonja.m.pyle.civ@mail.mil. Vanessa Ferguson, NHB command evaluation officer and MEDIG hotline coordinator, can help coordination with the MEDIG at 360-475-5042, vanessa.g.ferguson.civ@mail.mil

For any concern regarding a health care organization and reporting a patient safety event, contact the Joint Commission Office at their official website: http://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx or by calling TJC Quality and Safety information line at 1-800-994-6610, or Customer Service at 1-630-792-5800, or email patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org

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