Bayside Hospital Wins National Award For High Quality Care Once Again

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — For the second year in a row, a Bayside children's hospital has been recognized for its high quality care, earning an even higher-tier of recognition this year compared to last.

St. Mary's Hospital for Children, which specializes in caring for children with complex medical conditions and disabilities, won a Silver Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the hospital announced this week. The hospital won its first-ever bronze-tier quality award last year.

The national award recognizes the hospital's high quality care for people with disabilities and its commitment to continuous improvement: this year's silver-level award, a step up from last year's, marks how the hospital has improved its performance and care during the past 12 months.

"This award is a testament to the commitment to excellence and hard work of our dedicated team at St. Mary’s," Dr. Edwin Simpser, the hospital's president and CEO, said in a statement.

AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair Tammy Kelly said the award marks an "important milestone" in the hospital's continuous quality journey.

"This achievement celebrates the commitment and fortitude of St. Mary’s to find ways to enhance the lives of its residents and staff," she said.

The award is part of a three-tier program by the AHCA/NCAL, meaning that St. Mary’s could later be eligible to receive a gold-level awards as it continues to advance its performance and care.

St. Mary’s offers programs for children with all kinds of severe injuries and medical conditions, including the state's sole medical day care program for young adults with disabilities.

Many of the hospital's patients cannot receive the support they need elsewhere, and are only able to access the hospital's services (which often exceed the cost of what families are able to afford) with the help of generous donations.

St. Mary’s will receive its award at the AHCA/NCAL’s 73rd Convention & Expo in Tennessee, which will be held this fall from October 9-12.