Virginia healthcare association recognized for improvement in support of hospitals

The U.S. Senate recognized the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association for its work to support health systems and advance the well-being of Virginians.

VHHA received the 2024 Achievement in Performance Excellence Award from the productivity and quality program, or SPQA.

The award was presented at a Sept. 20 ceremony.

In 2020, VHAA received the progress in performance excellence award as part of its multi-year improvement efforts.

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine congratulated VHAA for its work in a letter presented with the award.

“Virginia’s hospitals and health systems consistently invest in clinical research, medical technology and staff training to deliver exceptional care and the latest in cutting-edge advances in treatment to produce positive outcomes for patients,” said VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “To effectively support hospitals, health systems and their teams in pursuing those goals, it is imperative for the association to seek continuous improvement in our work.”

Connaughton said the two awards illustrate the association’s commitment to organizational and process improvement.

The SPQA Achievement in Performance Excellence Award is an honor that recognizes organizations that take meaningful, active steps to build a culture that elevates performance and quality improvement, promotes innovation and demonstrates measurable results. Receiving consideration for the award requires a significant organizational commitment to growth and process improvement as well as a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process by SPQA examiners who assess and analyze performance and offer observational feedback.