Sentara Is Only System on Peninsula with Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Achieving This Level of Recognition HAMPTON, Virginia - September 29 - Sentara’s cardiac rehabilitation programs on the
Peninsula have received recent recognitions for excellence.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at
Sentara CarePlex Hospital has received certification from the
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This national recognition of Sentara CarePlex Hospital’s commitment to quality treatment for cardiac rehabilitation patients encompasses all aspects of patient care - including improved outcomes, patient education and customer service.
“This tells our patients and the community that our program adheres to the latest updated clinical standards and guidelines,” notes Donna Gagnon, RN, Sentara CarePlex Hospital Cardiovascular Therapy. “We are proud of this important recognition.”
Sentara is the only system on the peninsula with cardiac rehabilitation programs achieving this level of recognition. The cardiac rehabilitation program at
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center CARES program received AACVPR certification in 2005 and recertification of the program in 2008. And this month, the
CARES program was presented the Outstanding Community Health Award from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation.
“We are honored to be recognized as Healthcare Heroes in the community,” says Becky Warnick, SWRMC clinical coordinator for CARES. “Our staff are passionate about providing excellent care and it has a positive impact on the health of our community.”
Sentara’s Cardiac Rehabilitation programs provide physical, psychological and educational support to cardiac patients. The Phase II program, which generally lasts six to 12 weeks, includes exercise sessions in a medically supervised environment, as well as education on diet, medication and stress reduction. Specially trained cardiac staff monitor patients’ heart rhythms and blood pressure during exercise and help develop a plan that will incorporate healthy lifestyle changes at home.
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center also offers a Phase III (maintenance) program that provides the opportunity for individuals with cardiac, respiratory and other medical conditions to continue their exercise regimen in a wellness setting but still under medical supervision.
44/2008