Sentara receives milestone awards in heart imaging

Sentara Health remains the standard bearer for cardiovascular care and four hospitals are celebrating an inspiring milestone.

The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) honored Sentara Heart Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with silver awards for 25 years of sustained excellence in cardiac imaging and a consistent commitment to the highest standards of care.

Of only 46 facilities in the United States to receive this recognition, the four hospitals are the only ones in our region to have achieved the honor.

Team members celebrate at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

The IAC is a nationally recognized nonprofit accrediting organization dedicated to quality improvement, patient safety, and high-quality care.

The standardization and methodology of diagnostic imaging, and interventional and therapeutic procedures are paramount to the group’s mission, and the accreditation process is designed to recognize hospitals that provide superior echocardiographic services.

“This 25-year IAC milestone is a testament to the outstanding dedication of our cardiac sonographers and cardiologists, who have consistently upheld the highest standards in heart imaging,” said Wendy Freeman, manager of Sentara cardiovascular service. “Their commitment to excellence ensures that every echocardiogram is performed with precision and care because our patients deserve nothing less.”

Team members celebrate at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.

Earning this type of accreditation involves a rigorous application and peer-review process. It requires detailed documentation and adherence to protocols, following quality control processes, and maintaining staff credentials. Every three years, accredited sites must undergo reevaluation to prove ongoing adherence to evolving standards and continuous quality improvement.

A direct reflection of Sentara’s dedication to delivering safe, accurate, and effective care to patients, the IAC accreditation ensures that imaging studies are performed and interpreted by highly qualified staff using advanced technology and evidence-based methods and guidelines. Most importantly, this means patients can trust the accuracy of their echocardiograms, which are critical in diagnosing and managing heart conditions.

Team members celebrate at Sentara Leigh Hospital.

This long-standing accreditation illustrates Sentara’s commitment to cardiovascular care and dedication to clinical excellence. It is also a testament to the devotion of the cardiac sonographers and cardiologists who prioritize excellence in patient care day in and day out.