U.S. Naval Hospital Naples Earns Re-Accreditation

Photo By Christina Clarke | The Joint Commission  

GRICIGNANO D'AVERSA, ITALY

03.28.2019

Story by Christina Clarke 

U.S. Naval Hospital Naples

U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples, Italy has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® in three separate areas: Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) Certification, Hospital Accreditation, and Behavioral Health Care Accreditation. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.

USNH Naples underwent the rigorous onsite survey during February 20-22. During the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated multiple standards for compliance. Alongside The Joint Commission survey, the hospital also underwent the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) inspection. The MEDIG inspectors reviewed and assessed 66 programs throughout the hospital such as accounting, pastoral care, family ombudsmen, and tobacco control, to name a few. The two visits typically coincide with one another.

During an all-hands call this week, Capt. Richard Knittig relayed his appreciation. “This was the best survey I’ve seen in thirty years. We received outstanding results and that is a reflection of each and every one of you.” A piece of feedback that Knittig was most proud of was the hospital climate. “Our surveyors and inspectors noted that we have a great climate; we take care of each other and we’ve created a learning environment.”

A leading practice noted by The Joint Commission surveyors is the monthly code pink drills. The surveyors also praised the use of robust time outs before surgeries and procedures and the white boards on the multi-service ward which allow for patients to write their ideal care plans.

“We [the hospital] were given a 30-day notice prior to the survey, however staff were well prepared,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Butler, USNH Naples Quality Manager. “The purpose of The Joint Commission survey and MEDIG inspection are to ensure and inspire excellence in health care. We are pleased with our results and our team continues to work together to develop and implement approaches and strategies that have the potential to improve care for those in our community.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. To earn and maintain The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years.

The Medical Inspector General inspection also occurs every three years and ensures hospitals and clinics comply with Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery programs.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2019
• Date Posted: 03.28.2019 09:53
• Story ID: 315978
• Location: GRICIGNANO D'AVERSA, IT