Ramstein health care rates excellent

***image1***The 435th Medical Group and the 469th Medical Flight received continued accreditation and an “excellent” rating based on the results of a recent inspection to evaluate the level of health care provided at Ramstein (including Sembach and Kapaun) and Rhein-Main.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Air Force Inspector General Health Services Inspection teams recently visited the Ramstein and Rhein-Main medical and dental facilities to ensure the two airlift hubs in Germany are in compliance with both civilian health-care and Air Force standards.
JCAHO is an accreditation organization that measures the performance of health-care providers against established standards, while the HSI team evaluates “military unique” aspects of medical care and base support.
Two JCAHO surveyors and nine HSI inspectors put the two medical facilities under a microscope, looking at every facet of patient care.
“Both agencies were very impressed with our patient care and executive oversight,” said Colonel (Dr.) Charles Cotta, 435th MDG commander. “The HSI stated our military unique missions score was the best seen this calendar year.”
In a combined effort, Ramstein’s medical group and Rhein-Main’s medical flight received continued accreditation from the JCAHO surveyors with no requirements for improvement.
Dr. Mark G. Drusin, one of the JCAHO surveyors said, “Should I ever need health care while in Europe I would not hesitate to bring my family or myself here (Ramstein medical facility).”
At the same time, the HSI team gave the facilities a score of 90, or an “excellent” rating.
The HSI cited two programs as potential Air Force benchmark programs: the Drug Demand Reduction unit sweep program, and the Suicide Prevention Program: Training the trainer.
Colonel Cotta ended the grueling week by sponsoring a medical group cook out and thanking the staff for their dedication and efforts in making the inspection a success.