Englewood Hospital named Sarasota County's only Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital has been named a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corp., becoming the only robotic surgery program in Sarasota County to earn the designation.

The accreditation comes as the hospital marks a significant milestone. In December 2025, the program surpassed 2,000 minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries, underscoring its sustained investment in advanced technology and high-quality care for the community. The hospital operates three robotic units, enabling surgeons to perform a wide range of procedures from hernia repairs to gallbladder removal.

Centers of Excellence meet nationally and internationally established benchmarks for patient safety, clinical quality and continuous performance improvement. Not all hospitals pursue accreditation, and not all that apply achieve the distinction.

Master Robotic Surgeon Shea Jones, DO, said the designation reflects years of deliberate program development and a focus on patient outcomes.

“Our goal has always been to ensure patients in South Sarasota County have access to leading-edge surgical care close to home,” Jones said. “Reaching more than 2,000 robotic-assisted procedures and earning this accreditation demonstrate our team’s experience, precision and commitment to excellence.”

Robotic-assisted surgery allows specially trained surgeons to operate robotic arms that move instruments with precision beyond human capability. The technology enables surgeons to access surgical sites through smaller incisions with less pain, reduced blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Jones said the accreditation process required a comprehensive evaluation of every aspect of the robotic surgery program.

“It challenges you to examine surgical volumes, equipment, clinical pathways, patient education and long-term outcomes,” Jones said. “That level of accountability strengthens the program and gives patients added confidence in the care they receive.”

To earn accreditation, healthcare facilities and surgeons undergo an extensive assessment and on-site inspection. The review includes surgical case volumes, facility infrastructure, standardized operating procedures and ongoing quality monitoring. Inspectors also educate clinical teams on best practices to further enhance care delivery.

The designation comes amid rapid growth across South Sarasota County, including North Port and Wellen Park, one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida. Sarasota County’s population is projected to increase by nearly 20 percent by 2040, with North Port alone expected to surpass 100,000 residents within the next few years. The growth is fueling demand for expanded healthcare services, including access to advanced surgical care.

“We’re proud to recognize HCA Florida Englewood Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

Learn more about surgical services at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.