RAF Lakenheath hospital earns second-consecutive best in AF

  • Published
  • By Melissa Enriquez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Medical Group's commitment to "your health care right - the first time, every time," was once again proven true when they were named best hospital in the Air Force for the second year in a row.

The defending champions were pronounced the Air Force Surgeon General's Best Hospital of the Year for 2010 during the 2011 Military Health System Conference Jan. 27.

The hospital placed first at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe level, before winning the award at the Air Force level, based on "excellence in mission support" and "stellar customer service."

"This award is a result of the extraordinary effort and skill displayed each day by the nearly 800 members of the 48th Medical Group," said Col. David Hocking, 48th MDG commander.

The 48th MDG Airmen's hard work in 2010 won them multiple accolades including 14 Air Force Medical Service Medal Awards and 51 USAFE AFMS awards, as well as the 48th Fighter Wing Field Grade Officer of the Year, Senior NCO of Year, and Airman of the Year.

According to Lt. Col. Heather Carter, 48th MDG administrator, some of the 2010 highlights included supporting the Air Force's largest overseas mobility mission with a 99 percent discrepancy-free rate as well as opening the first overseas tier-1 simulation center, a center capable of providing 60 scenarios for training, and expanding their partnership with the U.K.'s National Health Service.

"We were thrilled to be recognized at the USAFE level again, but to be recognized twice (consecutively) at the Air Force level is a truly great honor for every member of the medical group team," said Colonel Hocking.

(Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch, 48th FW/PA, contributed to this story.)