MDG in good spirits after inspections

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Medical Group's hard work preparing for two major inspections Aug. 2 - 4 has finally paid off. 

The group officially received an "excellent" rating Aug. 4 for the Health Service Inspection and anticipates receiving a full accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, said Lt. Col. Kathleen Samuel, 436th MDG patient advocate and team chief for the inspection. 

Additionally, three areas within the group earned an "outstanding" rating during the HSI: Behavioral Health, Epidemiology and Public Health Surveillance and Dentistry. 

"The purpose (of the inspections) is to evaluate our programs and processes and give us feedback to help us improve as an Air Force medical organization in providing safe, quality healthcare," said Colonel Samuel. 

The Medical Group succeeded in the face of adversity, laboring though the challenges of performing daily duties, enduring the typical high-turnover of personnel during the summer, and implementing a new computer-based medical record program, which requires intensive training. 

"Our strongest areas were the positive attitude of our personnel," said the colonel. "With all that was going on, they maintained their professionalism and shined." 

The inspectors also provided valuable feedback, which the group will use to improve upon their services and facilities. 

"I am ecstatic the inspectors took consultative roles as well as evaluation of our programs and processes," she said. "It was noted that the pharmacy has a large workload and more space would improve the environment, and the Health and Wellness Center would better benefit if they were collocated with the Fitness Center." 

The combined inspections are administered by two separate agencies every 3 years, but this is the first time the AAAHC has inspected Dover's medical facility, according to Colonel Samuel. The HSI is headed by the Air Force Inspection Agency and the AAAHC was administered by an external agency that accredits civilian hospitals as well. 

"The AAAHC inspects outpatient units and since we have downsized completely to an outpatient facility we are inspected by this ambulatory inspection agency," she added. 

The group expects to receive the official results from the AAAHC in 30-45 days.
 
"I am very proud of each and everyone in the 436th Medical Group!" concluded Colonel Samuel. "Their professionalism, hard work and dedication to making our group better has paid off, and they are being recognized."