Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital earns national recognition for heart, lung care

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized Care 2026, earning national recognition for excellence in pulmonary and cardiac care—two of the most critical areas in modern medicine.

“As someone who calls this community home, this recognition means a lot to me personally,” said Joanne Inman, Sentara’s market president for Virginia Beach and northeast North Carolina. “I see firsthand the difference our team makes and I’m incredibly proud of the care they provide to our neighbors, friends, and families.”

The annual ranking, developed in partnership with global research firm Statista, highlights 1,375 leading hospitals across seven specialties, including cancer, cardiac, endocrine, neurological, orthopedic, pulmonary and gastrointestinal care. 

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital was one of just eight Virginia hospitals recognized in this year’s report.

The distinction reflects strong performance across a comprehensive evaluation that includes:

• Hospital quality and safety metrics
• A nationwide survey of medical experts
• Patient experience data
• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)

For patients and families, the recognition provides confidence in high quality care close to home.

“When facing a complex medical diagnosis, choosing the right specialist can make all the difference,” said Alexis Kayser, health care editor at Newsweek. “This ranking highlights hospitals across the country that are delivering advanced, specialized care at the highest level.”

While many of the ranked hospitals are large academic medical centers, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital’s inclusion highlights the strength of high-quality specialized care available in community hospitals. 

For local patients, it means access to nationally recognized expertise in heart and lung care without the need to travel outside the region. 

Sonia Cooper (second from left), Sentara market chief nursing officer, with members of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital’s respiratory therapy team, whose work is essential to delivering nationally recognized pulmonary care.

Pulmonary and cardiac conditions remain among the most common and serious health challenges in the U.S., making access to trusted, specialized care especially important. 

Sentara’s recognition in both areas reflects a continued commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and strong outcomes.

The 2026 rankings also feature an enhanced methodology, incorporating expanded safety and quality indicators from organizations such as The Leapfrog Group, along with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data and specialty-specific certifications. 

This rigorous approach ensures the list serves as a trusted guide for patients seeking high-quality care. 

The heart program at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital began in 1990 and is an active part of Sentara’s regional cardiovascular network.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, specialized care is becoming an increasingly important differentiator. 

“Knowing the high level of quality care this team delivers gives me pride and comfort in answering the call to our community,” said Sonia Cooper, Sentara market chief nursing officer, who has called Virginia Beach home since 2002. “I am thrilled to see the hospital earn this recognition."

For patients across Hampton Roads, this recognition is a powerful reminder that nationally recognized care is available right here at home.