Sheriff Gabe Morgan is proud that the Newport News City Jail has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, an independent organization that rates jails on the standard of health care provided to inmates in a correctional setting.
It’s the first time the Sheriff’s Office has pursued this designation. The facility was given a “100 percent compliance” rating following an on-site survey in August 2015. An NCCHC team looked at whether rigorous standards on safety, personnel and training, health care services and support, patient care and treatment, health promotion, special needs and services, health records and legal issues were met.
“Our nurses, mental health professionals and deputies are committed to providing quality health care in a clean, safe and healthy environment. We know the public expects no less of the men and women who are charged with inmate care and I’m proud of the work they do every day,” said Sheriff Morgan.
Applying for NCCHC accreditation is voluntary and accreditation lasts for three years.
“The Newport News Sheriff’s Office/City Jail has demonstrated its commitment to meeting constitutional requirements for health care delivery for incarcerated individuals,” said Thomas Joseph, MPS, CAE, president of NCCHC. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and we commend Sheriff Morgan and his staff for successfully undertaking this challenge to provide quality health care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
NCCHC has surveyed and accredited jails, prisons and juvenile detention and confinement facilities for more than 30 years. Its accreditation standards help correctional facilities improve the health of inmates and the communities to which they return, increase the efficiency of their health services delivery, strengthen organizational effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse patient outcomes and legal judgments. Nearly 500 institutions across the country participate in this program.
Accreditation means inmates have access to a nationally-accredited health care program when they require medical care or medication.
“We have a legal obligation to provide inmates with health care and we will continue to do so with innovation, excellence and efficiency on behalf of the taxpayers,” Sheriff Morgan added.