The accrediting body DNV-GL has granted multisite certification in the ISO 9001 quality management system — an international standards organization that supports quality and safety best practices in a variety of industries — to 12 Sentara Healthcare hospitals across Virginia and North Carolina.
"This certification validates our processes and promotes accountability," said Deloris Cooper, director of accreditation and regulatory standards for Sentara Healthcare, which is headquartered in Norfolk, Va. "It reflects our focus on patients and our commitment to reduce variability and increase consistency through rapid deployment of best practices across our system."
For the last 10 years, the goal of the Sentara system has been achieving top 10 percent performance in clinical measures. The system is also dedicated to improving patient experience, population management and adhering to best practices regarding the management of chronic illness.
"Sentara is paving a path for other health systems to follow," said John Cooke, senior lead auditor for DNV-GL. "A multisite certification in ISO 9001 has been unheard of and Sentara Healthcare has brought a focus on continual improvement to all of its corporate functions."
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