Missouri Prison Selected as “Facility of the Year” by National Health Care Organization
National award recognizes demonstrated excellence in health services in Missouri correctional facility.
St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) July 27, 2010
The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) – a leading, standard-setting body dedicated to care in the nation’s prisons and jails – has selected Tipton Correctional Center as 2010’s “NCCHC Facility of the Year.” Tipton Correctional Center, a Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) facility, was selected from approximately 500 jails, prisons and juvenile confinement facilities that participate in the NCCHC’s nationwide accreditation program.
According to NCCHC President Edward A. Harrison, the Tipton prison was recognized for “demonstrated excellence in health service delivery, correctional healthcare professionalism and a commitment to continuity of service.” Correctional Medical Services (CMS) of St. Louis is the contract correctional healthcare services provider at Tipton and 20 other Missouri Department of Corrections facilities.
“This achievement affirms that through the quality of service we provide to our offender population, we can fulfill our vision to be the standard of excellence in corrections,” said George Lombardi, director of the Missouri DOC. “I am very proud of this notable accomplishment of our DOC and contracted medical and mental health staff for their dedication and hard work.”
“Our staff members at Tipton and all across the state demonstrate their dedication and skill when caring for patients every day,” said Ralf Salke, vice president of operations for CMS. “Achieving accreditation alone from NCCHC is a formidable task, but being recognized as the national Facility of the Year illustrates the commitment of our team and the DOC.”
For nearly 18 years CMS has been the contract healthcare provider at Missouri DOC facilities. Today, 20 of the state’s 21 correctional centers are accredited by NCCHC. Tipton Correctional Center will formally receive the Facility of the Year Award in October at the National Conference on Correctional Health Care.
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