Long Island Hospitals Shine in 2024 Patient Safety Rankings

Six Northwell Health facilities among nation's best, highlighting systemic approach to care

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:33pm

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An extreme close-up of a glowing, neon outline of a hospital bed or medical equipment, conceptually illustrating the importance of patient safety in healthcare.The vibrant weekend celebration of Rainbow Grocery's 50th anniversary will bring fun, local flavor, and creative energy to one San Francisco neighborhood.NYC Today

Eight Long Island hospitals were recently ranked among the nation's best for patient safety excellence by Healthgrades, a healthcare information company. Notably, six of these top-performing facilities belong to the Northwell Health network, suggesting a systemic commitment to safety protocols and practices that goes beyond individual institutions.

Why it matters

The concentration of high-ranking hospitals in one region indicates Long Island's hospitals may have developed a unique approach to care that prioritizes patient safety. This is especially significant given the challenges the healthcare system faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for many hospitals to reevaluate and strengthen their safety measures.

The details

Healthgrades' methodology focuses on preventable complications like surgical errors, ulcers, and falls. Hospitals that consistently avoid these issues often have rigorous protocols, staff training, and patient education in place. The timing of these awards, which span October 2021 through September 2024, suggests Long Island's hospitals were able to weather the pandemic and emerge even stronger in terms of patient safety.

  • The Healthgrades data analyzed spans October 2021 through September 2024.
  • The awards were announced in April 2026.

The players

Northwell Health

A large healthcare provider network that operates six of the top-ranked patient safety hospitals on Long Island.

Peter Silver

The chief quality officer at Northwell Health, who credits the network's success to practices like fall risk assessments and mobility encouragement.

Elisabeth Benjamin

A representative from the Community Service Society of New York, who notes that patients should consider factors beyond just safety, such as insurance and network coverage.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.