Stamford Health Named Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026

Stamford Health has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide. The distinction, awarded to only 38 hospitals, reflects the highest overall performance in healthcare quality and patient experience.

“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.”

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent healthcare system with more than 4,100 employees, operating a 305-bed hospital. The organization has achieved multiple quality distinctions, including Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the third time since 2016, 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.

In 2025, Stamford Health was re-certified with Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care for the fourth time, joining a select group of just 100 organizations worldwide. U.S. News & World Report also recognized Stamford Hospital as the number one hospital in Fairfield County and number four in Connecticut.

Stamford Health provides advanced care through collaborations with leading institutions. Orthopedic care is delivered in partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery, cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures are performed with specialists from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and oncological treatments follow protocols developed with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. The system also serves as a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The recognition as a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital underscores Stamford Health’s commitment to high-quality, person-centered care and its role as a trusted healthcare partner in the community.