Stamford Health has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026, an honor that places the nonprofit health system among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide. Only 38 hospitals received this distinction, which represents the highest overall performers in the country.
“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 and a 305-bed hospital. It has earned multiple national recognitions for quality and safety. The organization 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. The health system also 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.
In 2025, Stamford Health was re-certified with Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care for the fourth time since 2014, joining a select group of just 100 organizations worldwide. U.S. News & World Report recognized Stamford Hospital as the number one hospital in Fairfield County and number four in Connecticut, highlighting performance in 12 distinct medical areas.
The system provides advanced care through key collaborations: specialty orthopedic care with Hospital for Special Surgery; complex cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures with Columbia University Irving Medical Center; and comprehensive oncological treatments with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Stamford Health serves as a major teaching affiliate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, integrating academic medicine with community-based care.
The Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital designation is based on nominations from board-certified physicians, with selection criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not pay to be selected.
