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. Only 38 hospitals earned this distinction, which highlights the highest overall performers across the United States. The recognition underscores the organization's dedication to delivering exceptional, person-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, offering high-quality health and wellness services through its 305-bed Stamford Hospital. The organization has achieved numerous accolades, including 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. It 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's medical performance in 12 distinct areas, naming it the number one hospital in Fairfield County and number four in Connecticut.
The health system provides advanced specialty orthopedic care through a premier collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery, complex cardiovascular and advanced neurosurgical procedures via specialists from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and comprehensive oncological treatments through a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Stamford Health also serves as a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, supporting rigorous training for medical residents and fellows.
Castle Connolly's selection process for Top Doctors and Gold Standard Top Hospitals considers nominees' medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected. This recognition further solidifies Stamford Health's reputation as a leader in healthcare quality and patient safety.
