Quality and safety are the foundation of exceptional healthcare, shaping every patient’s experience and outcome. In today’s healthcare landscape, independent measures such as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades help patients compare hospitals based on infection rates, readmissions, mortality, patient experience and other indicators of quality.
“For patients and families, they provide transparency and reassurance, helping them choose where to seek care with confidence,” said Deborah Rhodes, MD, senior vice president and chief quality officer, Yale New Haven Health. “For hospitals, they create accountability and drive continuous improvement.”
Independent ratings that measure hospital quality and safety
CMS Star Ratings
At Yale New Haven Health, Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) and Greenwich Hospital both received five-star ratings from CMS, a designation given to fewer than 15 percent of hospitals nationwide.
“For an academic medical center of Yale New Haven Hospital’s size and complexity, achieving a five-star CMS rating is exceptionally rare,” said Katherine Heilpern, MD, president of Yale New Haven Hospital. “This distinction reflects not only rigorous performance across a broad range of quality and safety measures, but also the deep, sustained commitment to our patients by our entire team of physicians, nurses and staff. It is a powerful affirmation of the culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement that we bring to work every day.”
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades
In Spring 2026, Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, YNHH and Westerly Hospital were all awarded “A” safety hospital grades from The Leapfrog Group.
“Earning top safety grades across our health system reflects a deep and sustained commitment to protecting our patients from harm,” said Christopher O’Connor, CEO, Yale New Haven Health. “Safety is not a program at our hospitals – it is a foundational value that guides everyday actions, from infection prevention and medication safety to consistently following stringent clinical protocols.”
Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence
Often hospitals that perform well in CMS and Leapfrog ratings also have earned Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Bridgeport Hospital earned its first designation in 2025; Greenwich Hospital secured its third designation in 2026; and YNHH was recognized with its fourth in 2026. The designations further reflect a hospital’s commitment to quality and safety by recognizing excellence in nursing practice, patient outcomes and a strong culture of care. The organizations meet rigorous standards for performance and continuous improvement.
Why these ratings matter for patients
At their core, these ratings directly reflect the patient experience. A hospital that earns high marks is one where patients are more likely to feel heard, respected and safe throughout their care journey.
“Quality is not just about metrics, it’s about ensuring every patient receives the safest care, every single time,” said Dr. Rhodes.
High performance in CMS and Leapfrog ratings signals that strong systems are in place to prevent harm, coordinate care effectively and prioritize the needs of patients and families. It means fewer complications, clearer communication and better overall outcomes.
Yale New Haven Health’s commitment to quality and safety
Ultimately, these designations are more than benchmarks. They are a testament to a hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. They reflect the collective efforts of clinicians, leaders and staff who work every day to improve outcomes and elevate patient experience.
