COMMENTARY>>19th MDG clears dual inspections

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Medical Group staff successfully passed its Health Services Inspection, which was conducted from Sept. 20 to 24 and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inspection from Sept. 22 to 24.

Passing two inspections at the same time proved to inspectors the high level of professionalism which drives Team Little Rock.

“The recent inspection of the 19th MDG was a combination of two agencies simultaneously assessing the training of our staff and the care provided to our customers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robin Williams, 19th Medical Group superintendent. “These were extremely in-depth inspections, which looked at over 1,600 elements of our operation and in turn they gave us a great insight on how well we comply with both Department of Defense and nationally-recognized health care standards.”

The HSI is a comprehensive inspection conducted by the Air Force Inspection Agency and occurs every three years.

“The purpose of the HSI is to assess the functioning and execution of Air Force Medical Service programs and processes at the local level in order to provide senior leadership with accurate data upon which to base policy decisions,” said Col. David Stanczyk, the 19th MDG commander. “Also, to assess the ability of Air Force medical units to fulfill their peacetime and wartime missions, including the provision of medical care and support to the host wing’s mission.”

The AAAHCI is a private, not-for-profit civilian organization established in 1979. Its focus is on ambulatory health care which means they inspect medical facilities that don’t provide in-patient care. They currently accredit more than 4,800 health care organizations in the U.S. Their focus is on reviewing the quality of health care provided.

“Their goal is to improve and enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care in ambulatory clinics,” said Colonel Stanczyk.

“By receiving AAAHC accreditation, it testifies to the quality of health care provided at that institution.”

The 19th MDG passed both inspections, receiving an overall satisfactory rating and excellent rating in patient care for the HSI, and zero negative findings and a full three year accreditation for the AAAHCI.

“The key is a dedicated and professional staff who takes their duties seriously every day in order to provide the best possible medical care,” said Colonel Stanczyk.

“There were several things that we feel contributed to the success of passing these inspections,” said Chief Williams. “The biggest factor though was the spirited teamwork within the 19th MDG and also from our peers across Team Little Rock.”

The 19th MDG staff received frequent positive comments regarding their attitudes.

“The inspectors were immediately impressed by the welcome provided by the leaders and members of Team Little Rock,” said Chief Williams. “During the course of the inspection they repeatedly commented on the positive attitudes and professionalism of the men and women of the 19 MDG in addition to the friendly atmosphere within the facility; this is not always apparent when folks undergo such an inspection.”

Base leaders are proud of the hard work and dedication the medical personnel have exhibited to the patients and toward the base mission.

“The medical staff at the 19th Medical Group have proven time and again their ability to care for the military personnel here,” said Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “It’s their hard work and dedication that help Airmen stay fit to fight for Combat Airlift.”