Portsmouth, VA  –   PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Nov. 9, 2021) – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) underwent the rigorous triennial onsite survey from The Joint Commission (TJC) from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13, which resulted in reaccreditation until 2024.

TJC is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Founded in 1951, TJC accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Since NMCP’s last TJC survey in 2018, the staff of the medical center has been vigilant in maintaining high-quality patient care standards.

“Some of the positive feedback received from the surveyors were our staff engagement, professionalism of nurses, cleanest and most efficient galley, and outstanding COVID care in the ICU,” said Amy Barnard, NMCP’s survey readiness coordinator.

During the NMCP review, a team of TJC expert surveyors evaluated compliance with standards related to areas such as provision of care, emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control practices, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews with staff and patients.

“NMCP did exceptionally well on Joint Commission,” said Capt. Shelley Perkins, NMCP’s commanding officer. “It highlights the caliber of all our people taking care of our patients and making sure our spaces are safe 24/7/365.”

The purpose of the survey is external validation to the quality of care that NMCP provides. NMCP’s continuous process improvement, however, is not just for the sake of the survey, but for the next patient who seeks care.

“This was not by accident, but by our hard work day in and day out, refining what we do,” added Perkins. “Learning and doing even better for the next patient that walks through the door.”

As the U.S. Navy's oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area's 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.