Downstate UHD Recognized Nationally for Surgical Excellence
By University Hospital at Downstate | Oct 30, 2025
A Message from Interim CEO Patricia A. Winston, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
I am proud to share that University Hospital at Downstate (UHD) has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) for achieving meritorious outcomes in surgical patient care. This honor places UHD among only 77 hospitals nationwide—out of more than 600 eligible participants—acknowledged for exceptional surgical performance.
According to the latest NSQIP report, covering April 2024 through March 2025, UHD ranked as a low outlier for both morbidity and mortality, demonstrating outstanding observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios overall and across multiple surgical complication categories. The report also identified remarkably few opportunities for improvement, a testament to the skill, precision, and teamwork of our surgical teams.
This national distinction highlights Downstate’s enduring commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care to every patient we serve; it reflects excellence across eight critical measures of surgical quality:
- Mortality
- Cardiac events (cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction)
- Pneumonia
- Unplanned intubation
- Prolonged ventilation (>48 hours)
- Renal failure
- Surgical site infections
- Urinary tract infections
Each of these measures highlights the vigilance, skill, and compassion of our surgical and perioperative care teams, as well as their dedication to quality improvement and patient safety.
I want to thank Dr. Panos Kougias and the entire surgical leadership team, faculty, nurses, residents, and staff whose collective efforts continue to advance our mission. Their dedication ensures that Downstate meets and exceeds national benchmarks for surgical care excellence.
Thank you also to President Riley for his belief and support of UHD and its staff in saving lives and efforts to #KeepCareClose, right here in our community.
This recognition from the American College of Surgeons affirms that Downstate is a place where exceptional clinicians make extraordinary things happen for patients every day.
Please join me in congratulating our UHD surgical teams on this outstanding achievement and for representing the very best of SUNY Downstate.
Tags: Surgery, University Hospital at Downstate, Downstate Health