Former Nuclear-Powered Submarine Captain Advises LifeWings on Patient Safety
Collierville, Tennessee (PRWEB) December 30, 2013 -- Vice Admiral John Bird joins the LifeWings Board of Governors. As a career nuclear-powered submarine officer, Admiral Bird brings a unique perspective on high reliability safety systems to the world of patient safety. His experience on both fast attack and ballistic missile submarines in the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets equips John with a comprehensive understanding of the usefulness of checklists, crosschecks, and standardized work in eliminating human error. Admiral Bird served on five different submarines during his Navy career. His leadership and expertise in achieving error-free operational excellence in this demanding underwater environment resulted in his being awarded the Naval Submarine League's Jack Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and Excellence in Command.
After completing his naval career by serving as the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Bird joined the LifeWings Partners’ Board of Governors to lend his know-how in systems design and leadership to their award-wining patient safety programs. “Nuclear powered submarines and healthcare organizations are strikingly similar in that both are extremely unforgiving of error. The consequences of mistakes can be devastating,” says Admiral Bird. “Both professions demand that its leaders implement systems to support safe practice. I look forward to contributing a lifetime of knowledge in those safety systems to LifeWings, and helping their industry-leading programs remain on the cutting edge of effectiveness.”
LifeWings, a team of physicians, nurses, astronauts, military officers and pilots, was founded in 2005 with the sole mission improving patient safety with the proven safety systems of high-reliability industries such as commercial aviation, NASA, and nuclear power. Steve Harden, founder and CEO of LifeWings, is himself a former military officer and fighter pilot. Harden says, “With 35-years of flawless performance in a high-consequence profession, including eight different commands, Vice Admiral Bird knows how to run a high reliability organization. His contribution to improving patient safety will be invaluable. LifeWings and healthcare will both benefit from his insight and advice. We’re very fortunate to have it.”
The son of a career naval officer, John graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America.
LifeWings has helped healthcare providers around the world improve safety, quality, service delivery, and patient and employee satisfaction. Hospitals, clinics, and physician practices that employ the LifeWings safety systems also reduce malpractice expenses, and protect their reimbursement from loss due to errors and mistakes. http://www.saferpatients.com
Stephen Harden, Lifewings Partners, LLC, +1 (901) 457-7505, [email protected]
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