Stamford Health Recertified With Planetree Gold Designation for Excellence in Person-Centered Care

Stamford, CT / November 25, 2025 – Stamford Health is proud to announce that it has been re-certified with the prestigious Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care, reaffirming its commitment to providing compassionate care and prioritizing the needs, values, and preferences of patients and their families. This achievement marks Stamford Health’s fourth designation since 2014 and places them among only 100 other healthcare organizations worldwide to achieve this honor.

Planetree Gold Certification is awarded to healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in creating a culture of compassion, partnership, and transparency. In 2025, Stamford Health became the first organization in the United States to be assessed by Planetree International’s newly developed evaluation criteria to standardize expectations for person-centered care and define the operational requirements needed for this achievement.

“Person-centered care is more than a philosophy, it is how we show up for our patients and families every day,” said Kathleen Silard, President & CEO. “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. At Stamford Health, patients and families are engaged as active partners in this journey through initiatives including its Care Partner Program and Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a collaborative group of patients, family members, and staff dedicated to improving the care experience through co-design. This commitment also is reflected in creating healing environments designed to promote comfort and well-being. Spaces such as the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center atrium and the interfaith chapel offer serenity and reflection, while complementary therapies such as massage, art therapy, and Reiki support holistic well-being.

“Our goal is to ensure every patient feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their care journey,” added Shannon Patterson, Executive Director of Consumer and Patient Experience. “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 is widely recognized for its expert, person-centered care, reflected in numerous honors and partnerships. Earlier this year, Stamford Health earned Great Place to Work Certification™ for the fifth consecutive year, underscoring its culture of inclusion, belonging, and compassionate care. Stamford Health also participates in the DAISY Award program, an international initiative honoring nurses who go above and beyond in delivering extraordinary care. This commitment to excellence is reflected in national accolades, including U.S. News & World Report naming Stamford Hospital the number one hospital in Fairfield County and the American Nurses Credentialing Center awarding Magnet® Status – the gold standard for nursing quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.

For more information about Stamford Health’s Planetree philosophy, visit stamfordhealth.org/about/planetree.

For more information on Planetree’s Person-Centered Care Certification® Program, including the criteria, the application process and more, visit planetree.org/certification.

About Stamford Health

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 4,100 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as the number one hospital in Fairfield County. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart and neurosurgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

About Planetree

Planetree is a mission based not-for-profit organization that has partnered with over 700 healthcare organizations around the world and across the care continuum to transform how care is delivered. Powered by over 50,000 focus group attendees comprised of patients, families, and staff, and 45 years of experience working with healthcare organizations, the Planetree approach emphasizes the quality of human interactions that occur within healthcare settings, the importance of connecting healthcare personnel to the purpose and meaning of their work, and practical strategies for engaging patients and family members as true partners in care. These elements have been consolidated into the Person-Centered Care Certification® Program, which provides organizations with a structured process to guide culture change efforts that yield improvements in clinical and operational outcomes. Drawing on this experience, in 2017 Planetree partnered with the National Academy of Medicine to introduce an evidence-based Guiding Framework for Patient and Family Engaged Care.

PRESS CONTACT

Jacob Gaydos, Communications Manager
Stamford Health
[email protected]