Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Alexandria Hospital Named an Accredited Breast Care Center

National Accreditation Recognizes Outstanding Breast Care

Alexandria, VA – (December 15, 2009) – The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Alexandria Hospital recently earned a three-year accreditation in breast care from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), part of the American College of Surgeons, which sets the standard for how breast cancer patients receive care.

“This recognition acknowledges that Inova Alexandria Hospital has a commitment to excellence in quality breast care,” said Christine Candio, CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “Our physicians and staff go above and beyond the call of duty each day to help patients in need of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Alexandria Hospital earned accreditation by meeting or exceeding 27 standards of breast cancer care. The Institute was evaluated during an on-site review of its imaging, radiation oncology and medical oncology treatments, surgery, survivorship programs, leadership, research, genetic counseling and breast care navigator program, among other programs.

“We are very honored for Inova Alexandria Hospital to receive this sought-after accreditation. Being among the first centers to receive this accreditation from NAPBC demonstrates that the Inova Breast Care Institute has achieved a superior level of expertise in breast care,” said Kirsten Edmiston, MD, Medical Director, Cancer Services, Inova Health System. “This designation by NAPBC is a testament to our commitment to provide quality care for our patients. The Inova Breast Care Institute is more than just one hospital and one doctor – it’s an entire healthcare system providing the very best in breast care.”

The Inova Breast Care Institute offers a multidisciplinary team of nearly 100 experts across the System who provide a full range of breast cancer care. With access points at each Inova hospital, Inova provides more breast cancer care than any other healthcare organization in Northern Virginia, treating more than 1,000 women each year.

The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital were accredited earlier this year, and NAPBC is in the process of evaluating Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

For more information about Inova Breast Care Institute visit inova.org/ibci.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.