Five Independence Health System locations received national commendations for their endoscopy services by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a leading gastrointestinal medical society.

The Independence Health System endoscopy units at Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals, Laurel Surgical Center and Norwin Surgery Center, all in Westmoreland County, received the three-year commendation. They join the Surgery Center at Benbrook in Butler, which previously earned this distinction, according to Independence Health System.

The sites are among more than 600 Independence Health System endoscopy units recognized since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy.

Annually, more than 25,000 endoscopies are performed across Independence Health System, according to a Thursday, June 22, news release.