Northwell Health

Northwell Health. It is one of the largest integrated health care systems in the United States, operating a vast network of hospitals and outpatient facilities across New York State. The system is a major academic partner of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and is renowned for its extensive clinical research and innovation initiatives. With a workforce exceeding 85,000, it serves millions of patients annually throughout Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County.

History

The system was formed in 1997 through the merger of North Shore Health System and LIJ Medical Center, initially operating under the name North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. This foundational consolidation created a significant healthcare entity in the New York metropolitan area. A pivotal moment in its academic evolution came in 2008 with the announcement of a partnership with Hofstra University to establish a new medical school, which opened in 2011 as the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. The system rebranded to its current name in 2015, reflecting its expansive regional presence beyond its original core geography. Subsequent growth has included affiliations and mergers with institutions like Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Operations and facilities

The network encompasses 21 hospitals and over 900 outpatient facilities, providing a comprehensive continuum of care. Its flagship campuses include Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, and Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side. The system also operates the Cohen Children's Medical Center, a premier pediatric facility, and numerous ambulatory surgery centers and urgent care locations. Further expanding its reach, it manages the Emergency Medical Institute and has a significant partnership with the Cleveland Clinic for cardiac surgery and cardiovascular care. Its service area spans the diverse populations of Nassau County, New York, Suffolk County, New York, and New York City.

Clinical and research programs

The system is a national leader in several clinical specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, and orthopedics. It houses the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the academic research arm whose scientists have made significant contributions in fields like bioelectronic medicine and molecular medicine. The system runs one of the largest emergency medical services programs in the nation and operates the Center for Emergency Medical Services. It is also a major site for clinical trials, collaborating with entities like the National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies. Other notable institutes focus on autism, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatology.

Leadership and organization

The system is led by a Board of directors and executive leadership, with Michael J. Dowling serving as its long-time President and Chief executive officer. The organization is structured into multiple clinical service lines and regional networks to manage its vast operations. Its academic leadership is deeply integrated with the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where many of its physicians hold faculty appointments. The system's governance also includes oversight of the Northwell Health Foundation, which coordinates philanthropy and fundraising efforts to support its clinical and research missions.

Recognition and rankings

The system's hospitals consistently achieve high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, with several being nationally ranked in specialized care. It has received numerous accolades for nursing excellence, including multiple Magnet designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The system has also been recognized by Forbes as a best employer and by the Human Rights Campaign for its LGBT healthcare equality. Its innovation efforts have earned awards from institutions like the American Hospital Association and recognition in publications such as Modern Healthcare.