Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University Hospital has once again been recognized as a Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) Center of Excellence. This marks the second time the hospital has received this designation, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards in obstetric anesthesia care. Stony Brook is the sole hospital in Suffolk County to achieve this recognition.

“The anesthesia team plays an integral role in the day-to-day treatment of patients at Stony Brook University Hospital,” stated William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine. “This recertification is a testament to their attentive efforts to provide the best quality of care for women and ensure that safety and excellence in patient care remains our top priority.”

Carol Gomes, the hospital's CEO, expressed pride in the recognition, saying, “Our team is honored to be recognized for its ongoing work to keep the mothers and babies we care for safe. Women on Long Island should walk into our facility knowing they will receive compassionate care, collaborative decision-making, and comfort and privacy for both them and their newborn.”

Stony Brook University Hospital is one of 13 institutions worldwide that have renewed the SOAP Center of Excellence designation, initially awarded in 2020. The designation, which lasts four years, was established in 2018 to set a benchmark for obstetric anesthesia care, aiming to improve standards both nationally and internationally.

The criteria for achieving this designation cover a range of areas such as personnel, equipment, protocols, training, and quality assurance. These criteria were developed through expert consensus and are based on evidence-based recommendations.

Stony Brook University Hospital is a leading academic health center on Long Island, equipped with 624 beds. It serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center and includes several specialized institutes and centers.