Culture of Safety 

Ways to Define Quality: Safety at Sentara

While safety has been a strategic initiative at Sentara for several years, recent efforts have been accelerated by enlisting the help of two nationally recognized organizations in quality:

The Greeley Company is a nationally respected consulting and training company known for providing practical, effective strategies and solutions to assist the leaders of today's health care organizations. The Greeley Company's consultants and educators are physician leaders and senior health care professionals with hands-on experience in hospital, ambulatory, physician practice and managed care settings.

Performance Improvement International (PII)
Performance Improvement International is a nationally known company with extensive background in the reduction of errors in industries, such as nuclear power, manufacturing, aviation and other high-risk industries. PII is focused on assisting organizations to reduce unexpected performance problems. The company uses an integrated approach, prevention, detection and correction with state-of-the-art technology to create high-performing, safe work environments. Their work in health care is in partnership with The Greeley Company.

For more information on patient safety and quality in health care, visit one of these sites:

- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

- The Institute of Safe Medication Practices 

- American Hospital Association (AHA)

- Partnership for Patient Safety

- The Institute of Medicine

Culture of Safety: Committed Staff

At Sentara, our culture of safety begins with the commitment of each individual member of the Sentara team. Sentara ideals are embodied in what we call The Sentara Promise, a pledge our employees make to uphold Sentara’s organizational values. These values revolve around quality, service, people, stewardship and integrity. We take pride in hiring the best and the brightest, and we invest in the personal and professional growth of our team members. Ongoing training is important to provide staff with the latest information they need to serve our patients and keep our community healthy.

Find out more about the culture of safety at Sentara:

Sentara College of Health Sciences provides educational programs to train the health care personnel of tomorrow and to ensure that Sentara hospitals are well-staffed. Sentara College of Health Sciences offers training programs in: registered and practical nursing, surgical technology, cardiovascular technology, care partner and monitor surveillance. Learn more about the Sentara College of Health Sciences.

The school recently earned re-accreditation by the National League for Nursing and the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Healthy Community
Sentara’s Division of Community Health & Prevention demonstrates Sentara’s commitment to keeping the communities we serve well through community programs, screenings and health initiatives. Read for more information on Sentara’s Division of Community Health and Prevention.