Stamford Health Re-Certified With Planetree Gold Designation

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Health has been re-certified with the Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care, the organization announced, marking its fourth designation since 2014 and placing it among about 100 healthcare organizations worldwide to receive the recognition.

Planetree Gold Certification is awarded to hospitals and health systems that demonstrate a strong culture of compassion, partnership and transparency in patient care.

Stamford Health was the first organization in the United States to be evaluated under Planetree International’s newly developed criteria, intended to standardize expectations for person-centered care and outline operational requirements for certification.

"Person-centered care is more than a philosophy, it is how we show up for our patients and families every day," said Stamford Health President and CEO Kathleen Silard in a news release. "This achievement is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our physicians, nurses, caregivers and employees, who ensure every individual feels respected and uniquely cared for."

The Planetree model emphasizes a holistic approach to healing by caring for the whole person, mind, body and spirit, and Stamford Health patients and families remain engaged as active partners through programs such as the Care Partner Program and the Patient and Family Advisory Council, a group of patients, relatives and staff who work together to improve the care experience.

Spaces, including the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center atrium and the interfaith chapel, are designed to support comfort and reflection. Complementary therapies such as massage, art therapy and Reiki are also offered.

"Our goal is to ensure every patient feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their care journey," said Stamford Health Executive Director of Consumer and Patient Experience Shannon Patterson. "From shared decision-making to honoring language, cultural and spiritual preferences, we are committed to delivering care that reflects what matters most to every patient."

"The Planetree Certification is the only award that recognizes excellence in person-centeredness across the continuum of care," said Michael Giuliano, President of Planetree International, a not-for-profit organization that has been at the forefront of the movement to transform healthcare from the perspective of patients for more than 45 years.

"This Gold Certification signals to its patients and community that Stamford Health is an organization where staff partner with patients and families, and where patient and family comfort, dignity, empowerment and well-being are prioritized as key elements of providing top-quality clinical care."

Stamford Health said the recognition adds to several recent accolades, including earning Great Place to Work Certification for the fifth consecutive year and participating in the DAISY Award program for exceptional nursing care.

U.S. News & World Report recently named Stamford Hospital the top hospital in Fairfield County, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center has awarded the system Magnet Status.

More information about Stamford Health’s Planetree philosophy is available at stamfordhealth.org/about/planetree. Details on Planetree’s Person-Centered Care Certification program can be found at planetree.org/certification.