Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been included on Becker's 2026 list of 100 hospitals and health systems with great heart programs, a recognition of its cardiovascular services.

Becker's published the list Oct. 15. It says selections draw on nominations and editorial research, organizations cannot pay for inclusion, and the list is not a ranking or rating. Sarasota Memorial announced the recognition Oct. 26.

The system's cardiovascular team performs about 1,000 cardiac surgeries and 6,000 catheter-based procedures annually, according to its announcement. Its services include heart surgery, valve repair and replacement, and treatment for heart rhythm disorders and heart failure.

CEO David Verinder attributed the recognition to the multidisciplinary heart team's expertise and the system's investment in care close to home.

What it means for Lakewood Ranch

The recognized health system includes the Sarasota Memorial ER at Lakewood Ranch, at 7250 University Parkway. The recognition is for the health system; Becker's does not list the Lakewood Ranch ER as a separate honoree.

The ER is staffed around the clock by emergency physicians and has 21 treatment rooms, walk-in and ambulance entrances, imaging and laboratory services. Its website says the emergency team follows the same cardiac, stroke and trauma protocols as the emergency department at Sarasota Memorial's main Sarasota campus.

The facility lists CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound services, along with blood draws and general laboratory testing. It is a hospital emergency department, and services are billed at emergency department rates.

Other cardiac recognition

Sarasota Memorial's announcement also cites a 2026 Premier designation among the nation's 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals and high-performing ratings in seven cardiac procedures and conditions in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best Hospitals assessment.

The seven categories are abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.