Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has once again been recognized for its excellence in obstetric anesthesia care, receiving the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) Center of Excellence designation for the second time. This status honors institutions that uphold the highest standards in obstetric anesthesia. SBUH's recertification reflects its dedication to quality clinical practice and ongoing education. It remains the only hospital in Suffolk County to be awarded this distinction.

"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, CEO of Stony Brook University Hospital, expressed, "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."

Since first receiving the designation in 2020, SBUH is one of 13 institutions worldwide to have renewed the SOAP Center of Excellence status. This certification is valid for four years. The Center of Excellence designation, created in 2018, sets a benchmark for expected standards in obstetric anesthesia both nationally and globally.

Criteria for the designation include evaluations of personnel and staffing, equipment and protocols, simulation and team training, obstetric emergency management, cesarean delivery, labor analgesia care, implementation of recommendations and guidelines, and quality assurance with patient follow-up systems. These standards are based on expert consensus and rely on evidence-based recommendations.