NMCSD Receives Highest Honor from Surgeon General

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph A. Boomhower, Naval Medical Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., awarded the highest level of the Health Promotion and Wellness award to Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), March 21.

The Health Promotion and Wellness award, also called Blue H award, encourages and rewards the promotion of health in the Navy and Marine Corps.

NMCSD earned the Gold Star level. There are three different levels that are awarded annually. From lowest to highest are the Bronze Anchor, the Silver Eagle and the Gold Star level.

"This award reflects the hospital in two important points," said Helen Metzger, NMCSD Health and Wellness department head. "One is that it is a command award. The second is that it's tangible evidence of our command's leadership, [and] value of its staff and patients. I think it's safe to say our command puts more emphasis in taking care of our staff and patients."

According to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC), who manages the award for the Surgeon General, NMCSD earned the Gold Star for excellence in health, wellness and fitness activities and policies in Navy workplaces. The award also measures the conduct of evidence-based, best practice activities, health status of patients and staff, and return on investment.

All Navy commands are eligible for the award and are divided into three categories: Medical commands, Fleet commands and Semper Fit Health Promotion programs. The reporting period for the award is the calendar year.

Criteria for each level of award is taken from surveys by patients across the command and involve Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor, Safety, Nutrition, Staff Education and Training, Mental Health Cardiology departments and primary care clinics. These departments then take a self-reported survey on their specific objectives. The report is later reviewed and signed by the commanding officer.

To achieve the Gold Star level award, a medical command must accumulate at least 50 percent of the total available points for every topic and category, and must earn a minimum of 80 percent of the total available points.

"It makes me feel proud of our command, because to me it just reflects the care and compassion our command has for our patients and staff," said Metzger.

NMCSD has earned the Gold Star level consistently since it was implemented in 2007.

"I really believe it just speaks to the importance of collaboration and teamwork," said Monique Beauchamp, NMCSD Health and Wellness educator. "I believe that the entire command strives for excellence when it comes time to the patients and staff."