CFG Health Systems
"The actions taken during the Sandy exemplify the extent of the cooperation and determination that exists at the Hudson County jail." -- Les Paschall, CEO
Marlton, NJ (PRWEB) August 07, 2013
At a meeting held July 11, 2013 the Freeholders approved a resolution congratulating CFG, which provides medical services to inmates, and the jail's professional staff for being awarded accreditation by the National Commission of Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). The jail was found to be in 100 percent compliance with all NCCHC standards.
The resolution also noted that CFG was instrumental in helping Hudson County nursing and correctional (custody) staff members attain the NCCHC’s Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification. The Hudson County Department of Corrections is the first in New Jersey to have its staff members achieve the CCHP designation.
NCCHC officials commented that they had not expected such a high score on the results because it was the first time that the Hudson County staff had sought CCHP certification.
CFG CEO Les Paschall said the county's custody staff members were instrumental in making sure the survey was a success.
"We are extremely gratified to be recognized by the Freeholders and County Executive Thomas A. DeGise," Paschall said. "The accreditation is the result of the partnership that has developed between CFG and Hudson County officials and employees since we began providing services at the jail. It has been a real team effort, with everybody doing their part to make sure that quality, effective services are delivered to the inmate population."
The National Commission of Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) is recognized throughout the country for setting standards relative to sustaining and improving the quality of health care in correctional and detention facilities. It developed a nationally recognized and accepted standard for health services in such facilities, established by leaders in the fields of health, law, and corrections. These standards cover areas of care, treatment, health records, administration, personnel, medical legal issues, and are essential resources for correctional and detention facilities in their efforts to improve the health of inmates.
The Freeholder Board's praise for the workers at the jail went beyond the accreditation received by the NCCHC. The resolution specifically mentioned actions taken during Hurricane Sandy, noting that "during the height of the storm's catastrophic flooding CFG staff and County personnel remained on site providing much needed healthcare to inmates and detainees at their own peril, and in one instance to a person experiencing severe chest pain."
Hurricane Sandy, which has come to be known as "Superstorm Sandy," came ashore October 29, 2012 and directly struck the Hudson County jail. The ensuing tidal surge inundated the parking lot before flowing into and throughout the facility.
CFG employees, along with county-employed nurses and corrections officers, were forced to wade through knee-deep waters to respond to the panic of the inmates. Without phone service and unable to determine whether their own families were safe and secure, the workers, operating under the power of an emergency generator, made sure that every patient received medication that night and throughout the storm.
"The actions taken during the storm exemplify the extent of the cooperation and determination that exists at the Hudson County jail," Paschall said. "Everybody involved with its operation is very deserving of the honor and recognition that the Freeholders have bestowed. Along with County Executive DeGise, I also want to thank Freeholder Director Anthony L. Romano and Oscar Aviles, the Hudson County Director of Corrections, for the spirit of teamwork they have displayed since CFG has been providing services at the jail."
CFG Health Systems serves a multitude of correctional facilities and hospitals in several states throughout the country. In addition to Hudson County Correctional Facility and the Hudson County Juvenile Detention Center, CFG provides services to six additional correctional facilities in New Jersey alone.
Incorporated in 1999 as part of CFG’s Health Network System, CFG Health Systems is a physician-owned and operated organization that specializes in providing comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to correctional facilities and hospitals.