OUR JOURNEY TO VPP STAR

Culture of Safety News MARCH 2012

DEDICATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT OF CARE

COORDINATORS

PROGRAMS – SYSTEMS - PEOPLE

Beginning in April 2009 with the DoD Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Center of

Excellence baseline assessment and gap analysis, NHYOKO entered a pathway to higher

standards of safety and occupational health. Our PROGRAMS had VPP elements added,

and our SYSTEMS were addressed by the Environment of Care Committee establishing

enterprise cross functional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS). These behind the

stage changes prepared us for PEOPLE, which meant having at least 3 methods of staff

involvement. The timing, leadership and all staff rose to the call for learning and

engagement in the VPP elements which ensured our readiness to earn our Star.

We are the first BUMED hospital to receive this prestigious recognition by Deputy

Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Safety) Mr. Paul Hanley, who recognized CAPT Stephen

Pachuta in a letter dated 3 Feb 2012 “for our unified efforts to implement successfully

such a complex establishes the gold standard … This “first” brings great credit to you,

your employees, and the Department of the Navy at large”. A flag was included as a

symbol of the collective Naval Hospital Yokosuka’s dedication to improved safety.

SAFETY NOTE 100-DAY PROJECT: NEED 7 VOLUNTEERS TO DESIGN AND BETA TEST

Purpose Statement – 2012 Culture of Safety News One of three NHYOKO Strategic Goals established by the ESC off-site is the Culture of Safety. This newsletter provides staff awareness and involvement opportunities to accomplish our 5 objectives that align with Navy Medicine Goals of Value, Information Management and Jointness.

Book Recommendations – Why Hospitals Should Fly by John J. Nance and Designed to Adapt by John Kenagy.

Issue sponsored by: Executive Committee of the Medical Staff

(ECOMS)

NHYOKO – Issue #1

The Safety Note system replaces the previous Performance Improvement Form (PIF) system and compliments the Patient Safety Report (PSR); see fishbone diagram to the right. Request one (1) volunteer from ECOMS, ECONS, MSC and JEA, and one (1) DH, LCPO, LPO; sites included. This is a flexible lean improvement project from 2 April – 9 July 2012. POC for info and to submit names is Mr. William (Bill) Heath at 243-8691.