At Episcopal Health Services (EHS) quality and patient safety anchor everything we do. Our teams build reliable systems, follow evidence‑based practices, and measure what matters—so patients can count on safer, better outcomes close to home.
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital & Laboratory Accreditation
Earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® demonstrates that St. John’s Episcopal Hospital meets the most rigorous national standards for quality, safety, and performance improvement. Our hospital and laboratory underwent comprehensive, unannounced surveys that assessed compliance with evidence-based practices, patient care protocols, and operational efficiency. This recognition reinforces our culture of continuous improvement and our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care. By meeting these high benchmarks, we ensure better outcomes, greater trust, and improved experiences for every patient we serve.
The Joint Commission’s (TJC) Gold Seal of Approval® as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center
This accreditation signifies that our stroke program consistently delivers high-quality, evidence-based care that improves survival and recovery rates for stroke patients. It reflects our investment in specialized staff training, advanced imaging capabilities, and rapid response systems that meet or exceed national guidelines. Patients benefit from timely interventions, coordinated multidisciplinary care, and a focus on rehabilitation from the moment they arrive. This designation not only recognizes clinical excellence but also assures the community that they have access to top-tier stroke care close to home.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association – Get With The Guidelines® Awards
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital has earned multiple national honors through the American Heart Association’s and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program, including Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Heart Failure Optimal. These recognitions confirm our ability to apply the latest research-based protocols in real time, ensuring every patient receives care aligned with best-practice clinical guidelines. Our teams utilize these tools to streamline processes, reduce complications, and enhance recovery. This consistent high-level performance improves patient safety, shortens hospital stays, and supports long-term health.
U.S. News & World Report – High Performing Hospital (Heart Failure)
Recognized as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure in the 2024–2025 rankings, St. John’s stands among the top hospitals nationwide for this specialty. This honor is based on objective measures such as survival rates, readmission rates, patient experience, and adherence to treatment standards. It reflects the dedication of our cardiology teams in providing timely diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated follow-up care. This recognition assures patients and families that they are receiving expert care for one of the most complex and challenging conditions.
Planetree International – Silver Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care
Planetree’s Silver Certification recognizes our commitment to a culture where compassion, respect, and partnership guide every patient interaction. Achieving this designation required meeting standards for patient engagement, family involvement, and the creation of healing environments. Our approach integrates clinical expertise with the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of our patients. This recognition confirms that we value patients not just as cases to treat, but as individuals to care for holistically.
Baby-Friendly USA – Designated Hospital
The Baby-Friendly designation is awarded to hospitals that meet international standards set by the World Health Organization and UNICEF for maternal and newborn care. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital has implemented comprehensive policies to promote breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and family bonding immediately after birth. This approach supports healthier beginnings for infants and empowers new mothers with the knowledge and resources they need. Our designation assures families that we are committed to the highest level of mother-baby care.
Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence
As part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, we apply the 4Ms—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—to guide all aspects of care for older adults. This ensures that care is tailored to each patient’s priorities while minimizing risks like falls, confusion, or adverse drug interactions. Our geriatric-focused practices improve safety, preserve independence, and enhance quality of life. This designation demonstrates our leadership in meeting the needs of an aging population.
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
Earning Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition demonstrates EHS’s commitment to patient-centered care and empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health. The certification focuses on:
- Educating patients and supporting effective self-management of their conditions.
- Promoting shared decision-making and patient participation in care plans.
- Enhancing access to primary care clinicians and interdisciplinary care teams, including after-hours communication options.
- Leveraging technology (ex: email, telehealth, mobile apps) to support and improve care coordination.
ADCES Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP)
The ADCES accreditation affirms that our diabetes education program meets rigorous national standards for quality and effectiveness. Our educators provide personalized training in nutrition, blood glucose monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle modification. This evidence-based approach helps patients gain the knowledge and skills to successfully manage their condition and reduce complications. The program directly contributes to improved long-term health outcomes, lower hospitalizations, and greater patient confidence in self-care.
Best of the Boro
The Best of the Boro program is a coveted award for Queens’ best businesses. Hundreds of businesses are nominated and thousands of the public vote each year. St. John’s Episcopal has been awarded Best Hospital in Queens since 2020.
