Top Marks for Tuomey

When it comes to grades, Tuomey just got an A+ on a major exam. And I could not be more proud of the team that led us there. Although it takes every single Tuomey employee to make the wheels turn, there are several folks who head up our Joint Commission survey – and we simply could not do it without them. Debbie Mixon, Lois McCracken and Gloria Bateman are incredible! And let me explain why.

You see, we go through an accreditation survey process every three years. It is more than you could ever imagine. And it is tough! We have four or five Joint Commission surveyors here on our campus for four full days. And they look at everything – and I mean EVERYTHING. From physician care to HR files and pharmacy charts to lab results and nurses’ reports. They look at ceiling tiles and fire walls as well as every step you take in the building. They talk to patients and families and employees and board members. There is probably not one square inch that they don’t look at, inspect or review. It is grueling!

And according to The Joint Commision’s website, there are “more than 17,000 health care providers who use Joint Commission standards to guide how they administer care and continuously improve performance. The Joint Commission is also the only accrediting organization with the capability and experience to evaluate health care organizations across the continuum of care.”

They survey us every three years. And these are surprise visits. We do have an idea of what quarter in the year they might come, but that’s about it. They simply show up on our doorsteps at 7:30 in the morning – and there they go – straight into the hospital!

So, as you can imagine, this is not something you prepare for overnight. You have to stay Joint Commission-ready, throughout the year. And everyone plays a role; every department has a set of guidelines specifically written for their areas. But someone has to be in charge and watch over everything. And that’s where Debbie, Lois, and Gloria come in. They keep us on our toes at all times. They are constantly reviewing policies, standards and guidelines. They can probably quote you chapter and verse on just about everything TJC looks at and reviews. I just can’t tell you enough about these ladies. I often brag about “Team Tuomey,” and I am always so proud of the work we do – so forgive me this week if I go on and on about the team we have here in Sumter. They just don’t come any better.

And just one more word about TJC before I stop for the week. As grueling as the process is, I’m glad they visited us. And I’m glad they keep us on our toes at all times. Because it makes us better – not for us – but for you and your families. When you need us, and you’re worried about a loved one, you know they are getting the best possible care. Safety guidelines are followed, quality care is a commitment, and the folks at Tuomey are always working to make things better. Not because we have to, but because we WANT to. It is part of “Doing the Right Thing.”