Stamford Health has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026, an honor that places it among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide. The distinction, awarded to only 38 hospitals across the country, reflects the highest overall performance in quality, safety, and patient-centered care.
“Recognition from Castle Connolly reflects the unwavering dedication of our physicians and interdisciplinary teams who deliver exceptional, person-centered care to our patients every day,” said Rod Acosta, MD, Chief Physician Executive at Stamford Health. “At Stamford Health, we are committed to earning the trust of the communities we serve by combining clinical excellence with compassion, respect, and an individualized approach to each patient's experience. I'm incredibly proud of the difference we make in the lives of our patients and families.”
Stamford Health is a non-profit independent healthcare system with more than 4,100 employees, operating a 305-bed hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. The system is nationally recognized for excellence in hip replacement, knee replacement, and spine surgery. It has achieved Magnet Recognition® status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the third time since 2016, placing it among 10.5% of U.S. hospitals and one of only seven in Connecticut to receive this honor. Additionally, Stamford Health received a five-star Overall Hospital Quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and an “A” grade for safety from The Leapfrog Group.
The organization’s commitment to person-centered care is further underscored by its Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care, re-certified in 2025 for the fourth time since 2014. This places Stamford Health among just 100 organizations worldwide with this designation. U.S. News & World Report recognized Stamford Hospital’s medical performance in 12 distinct areas, naming it the number one hospital in Fairfield County and number four in Connecticut.
Stamford Health provides advanced clinical care through partnerships with leading institutions. Its orthopedic services are supported by a premier collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Complex cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures are performed by specialists from Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Comprehensive oncological treatments are delivered through a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
The healthcare system also serves as a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, supporting the training of medical residents and fellows. Its medical staff includes numerous Castle Connolly Top Doctors who are active in clinical research and peer-reviewed publications, contributing to advancements in medical education.
