Client News: Inova Alexandria Continuing a Tradition of Excellence

Source: Alexandria Gazette Packet
Written by: By Christine Candio

I look forward to what 2011 has in store for Inova Alexandria Hospital, I can’t help but look back on the many successes we had in 2010.

Last year, this column focused on our services, but did you know there is a secret to our nearly 140 years of providing quality care? The secret is our selfless and compassionate employees, physicians, and volunteers who go above and beyond to make all our accomplishments possible.

In 2010, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, awarded the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Inova Alexandria Hospital its prestigious Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. This award is a testament to the high standards of care we deliver to our patients daily. The hospital is one of just six hospitals in the Washington, D.C. region to achieve this status.

Another area that earned notable distinction was our Respiratory Care program, which earned a two-year accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAP is a national accrediting organization that sets the standard for quality respiratory care throughout the country. This recognition, based on the results of an onsite survey, proves that respiratory care at the hospital is specially designed to ensure the highest standard of care for our patients.

Inova Alexandria Hospital employees and volunteers value community outreach as well. We rallied together to participate in the city’s Walk to Fight Breast Cancer in October. The overwhelming support helped raise more than $130,000. This annual event supports free mammograms for women in Alexandria who are unable to afford this diagnostic screening.

As part of our mission to improve the health of the community we serve, we provide education. Earlier this year, Inova Alexandria Hospital was named Alexandria City Public Schools "Partner in Education" for introducing iPATH, a program which encourages healthy eating and exercise among school age students. iPATH not only aligns with our mission but can ultimately save lives.

Nearly 100 women attended our annual Women’s Health Expo, another educational opportunity we offered our community, to learn more about reproductive issues, preparing nutritious meals, infant CPR, heart health and many other issues that affect women and their families.

We’ve provided just a snapshot of our hospital’s many accomplishments in 2010. We certainly look forward to continuing our tradition of providing excellent care and community outreach in 2011. Most importantly, we thank the community for their long time support.

For more information about Inova Alexandria Hospital awards and recognition visit: http://www.inova.org/alexandria-awards.