ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The 79th Medical Group had three major inspections back to back May 19 to May 23.
The Air Education and Training Command Phase II Enlisted Training Evaluation Team was the first to inspect the 79 MDG. This team evaluated seven Phase II medical training programs.
The Air Force Inspection Agency, Health Services Inspection Team also arrived May 19 with a 10-member team and completed their inspection as well. The HSI reviewed 18 functional areas and more than 1,200 criteria.
At the same time, a national hospital accreditation agency, The Joint Commission, conducted a three-day accreditation survey of the 79 MDG. Col. Robert Miller, 79 MDG commander said, "The HSI and Joint Commission inspections are no notice. It was a challenging week especially after the Joint Service Open House. Our Malcolm Grow medics said, 'Having all three inspections at one time was a little like having the flu ... it all comes at once, but when it is over, you feel so much better.'"
"It has been nothing short of amazing ... we asked a tremendous amount from the Malcolm Grow medics and they delivered. On the tail of all the medical support involved with JSOH, the AETC Phase II Enlisted Training inspection was rated 'Outstanding' with no findings in all seven training programs," said Colonel Miller.
The next score to come in was from the Joint Commission. The purpose of the accreditation survey team was to evaluate the 79 MDG's level of performance and compliance with nationally established standards such as organizational quality, safety-of-care issues, and the safety of the environment in which care is provided.
"Malcolm Grow Medical Center was awarded a three-year accreditation, the highest rating that could be achieved," said a pleased Colonel Miller.
Last was the Inspector General HSI Team inspection. The inspectors conducted document review, personal interviews with staff, patients, and beneficiaries, and also met with executive leadership over the four-day visit.
"It came as no surprise to me that the inspectors had the highest praise for the pride, passion and endurance of the staff at the 79th Medical Group when they awarded us a score of 85 and a rating of 'Satisfactory,'" said the commander.
Colonel Miller explained that the Malcolm Grow medics worked extremely hard during the last four months in anticipation of the HSI no-notice inspection, which generally occurs every three years. The last major inspection occurred in June 2005.
"I am very proud of the Malcolm Grow medics as their performance was exceptional in each of the inspections." said Colonel Miller.
These major achievements acknowledge and confirm the 79 MDG's compliance with national healthcare and Air Force medical standards.