Danbury Hospital Simulation Center Earns National Accreditation

DANBURY, CT — Danbury Hospital’s Harold A. Spratt Center for Simulation and Clinical Learning has received five-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, making it the first facility within Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health, to earn the designation.

The recognition as a Focused Accredited Education Institute highlights the center’s role in advancing patient safety and surgical training through simulation-based education. Hospital officials said the accreditation reflects years of collaboration between surgical faculty, hospital leadership and educators.

“Surgical education has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, with more innovation and surgical options than ever before,” said Dr. Krishan Patel, surgical director for the Spratt Center. “Surgical simulation is a top way to teach residents in a safe space to learn before a real operation.”

Residents train on suturing, endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, robotic-assisted surgery, trauma care, and communication with patients and families. The center uses low- and high-fidelity simulation models, AI-enabled tools, virtual reality technology and simulated patients to prepare clinicians for real-world care.

The accreditation followed a rigorous peer-review process that included evaluation of the center’s curriculum, governance and impact on surgical education. Reviewers noted the program’s strong organization, faculty support and partnership with the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.

By joining the ACS-AEI Consortium, the Danbury Hospital center will collaborate internationally on research and training. Leaders said the distinction will help expand surgical education across Nuvance Health while benefiting patients through improved surgical safety and outcomes.

“This accreditation is a testament to the strength of surgical training at Danbury Hospital,” said John Leopold, APRN, network director of simulation. “The most important beneficiaries are our patients who will continue to receive better, safer care.”