Author: Dew, Theresa (GOV)

Transformative Culture Change and Collaborative Engagement at Washington Corrections Center

Washington State Department of Corrections

Start Date: Duration:

Numerous attempts have been made over the years to increase capacity for reception and diagnostic processes at WCC however, several recent projects, including the Reception Systems Stabilization (RSS) project, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) project, and Solitary Confinement Transformation Project were developed to better understand the depth and complexities of the problems occurring at WCC, while working closely with subject matter experts closest to where the work was done to:
Create better understanding of processes and realize efficiencies
Utilize Lean/continuous process improvement principles, tools, and methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, PDCA, 5S, Root Cause Analysis, Project Management, Change Management,
Improve coordination, communication, and collaboration across multiple workstreams and divisions

Goal Area(s) Impacted
4: Safe and Healthy Communities
5: Efficient, Effective, & Accountable Government

Improved:
Quality Management Systems
Improved Operations Process
Collaboration

Results (Replace)

Customers & Partners Impacted (Replace)

Lessons Learned

36
Process improvements

40 day
Reduction in time to admit and transfer

50
Physicals in the backlog reduced from 850 to 50

Incarcerated individuals
DOC staff
Family members of incarcerated individuals

Involve those closest to the work to arrive at the best solutions
Dive deep into the problem to understand the root cause and take the appropriate actions
Iterate to get to the best solutions