JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
The celebrated author Bruce Barton once said, "When you are through changing, you are through." Well Naval Health Clinic Charleston has undergone some momentous changes over the past few months and I am happy to report that we are far from "through."
In September, NHCC moved to a new location at the newly constructed John G. Feder Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic onboard Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station. This move was long awaited and comes with many benefits. The brand new 188,000 square foot facility was designed with today's patient in mind and is much closer to where our largest patient population lives. A modern facility in a more convenient location is a change that anyone could get behind.
We have also expanded our relationship with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. We are finding new and creative ways to work together and share resources. We have an ongoing commitment to pursue new ways of operating that save resources and taxpayer dollars, while at the same time maintaining the highest possible quality care. This is not business as usual and we pride ourselves in thinking outside of the proverbial box through implementing numerous performance improvement initiatives designed to enhance patient satisfaction.
We have dedicated our professional lives to the pursuit of the best possible patient care no matter the obstacles. Our mission is to provide total force health protection while remaining the health system of choice for superior patient and family centered care.
Engrained in the concept of patient and family centered care are a few simple principles. One is to listen and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. We seek to communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. We ask our patients to participate in care and decision making at the level they choose. And finally we wish to collaborate with patients and families on an institution-wide basis.
The implementation of Medical Home Port Teams allows us to better serve our beneficiaries through a total health approach. This ensures patients see the same team and provider each visit. Think of the country doctor concept where your provider knows your health needs and history because they have been your family doctor for years. You not only know the provider, but the nurse and support staff as well.
We have been treating patients in our new facility since September and have heard many good things about the changes that are taking place at NHCC. Our official grand opening ceremony will be held Nov. 10 and will serve as a symbol for the many changes that are making NHCC better than ever.
As we continue to evolve - Bruce Barton's words remind us that change is sometimes hard, but if we refuse to change we are "through." The staff at NHCC will tell you that our journey is just beginning and our mission is clear - Patient Centered Care.