WDH recognized for 25 years of innovative heart imaging services

DOVER - Wentworth-Douglass Hospital recently received a "silver milestone" award from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), in recognition of its 25 years of excellence in echocardiography and "for demonstrating its long-term commitment to continuously improving patient outcomes and safety."

Echocardiography is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart, which doctors use to monitor, and diagnose, heart conditions. Wentworth-Douglass was one of the first facilities accredited by IAC, among just 90 nationwide.

"This award is a tribute to the consistent, unwavering teamwork and dedication of our staff, who are constantly striving for excellence for our patients," said Dr. Michael Mazzini, associate chief medical officer and cardiologist at Wentworth-Douglass. "This recognition not only celebrates our past achievements, but also reaffirms our commitment to high-quality, innovative care for every member of our Seacoast community."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. On average, one American dies every 34 seconds of cardiovascular disease - disorders of the heart and blood vessels. IAC accreditation assesses the many factors that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography. The training and experience of the sonographer performing the procedure, the type of equipment used, and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome.