Syosset Hospital in Syosset, N.Y., has been recognized for service excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program for its strong commitment to providing an "outstanding emergency department experience." This distinction recognizing the hospital's emergency care comes on the heels of Syosset's designation for a third consecutive year as a J.D. Power Distinguished Hospital for its inpatient care.T

the latest honor was determined by surveying recently discharged patients from Syosset Hospital on their perceptions of their emergency room visit and comparing the results to the national benchmark established by the annual J.D. Power and Associates National Hospital Service Performance Study. The telephone-based research conducted among Syosset patients focuses on the five key drivers of patient satisfaction with their overall hospital experience. These drivers, which were identified in the national study, include: dignity and respect; speed and efficiency; comfort; information and communication; and emotional support.

"Based on the rigorous standards of our national hospital service performance research, only 20 percent of the hospitals in the nation will be qualified to achieve this distinction," said David Stefan, executive director of the healthcare division of J.D. Power and Associates.

"Syosset Hospital is among an elite class of hospitals." The emergency department of Syosset Hospital - a member of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System - exceeded the national benchmark study score for overall patient satisfaction by a significant margin. The hospital performed particularly well compared to the national study in the speed and efficiency with which the staff delivered care to their patients. The hospital received high ratings in this area relative to the national study for the speed and efficiency of discharge personnel and the speed and efficiency of the registration process.

Syosset also performed well relative to the national study regarding the comfort of its facilities, especially for their nurses' concern about controlling pain.Additionally, patients were asked to rate their level of trust and confidence in the hospitals after their most recent stay. Among Syosset emergency patients, 56 percent indicate they have more or much more trust and confidence in the hospital after their most recent stay. Furthermore, Syosset patients are more likely to experience increased trust and confidence in their hospital because of their experience, as compared to the national average.

"It was a great honor to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for three consecutive years for our inpatient care, but to receive the same distinction now for our emergency care reinforces what the Syosset family has known all along-that Syosset Hospital provides an exceptional patient experience," said Deborah Tascone, RN, the hospital's executive director. Non-government, acute-care hospitals throughout the nation are eligible for the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital recognition for inpatient services, emergency department services, as well as outpatient services. Distinction is valid for one year, after which the hospital may reapply for this recognition.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction.The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands including Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Media contact:
John Tews
J.D. Power and Associates
Troy, Mich.
(248) 312-4119
john.tews@jdpa.com

Syvetril Perryman
J.D. Power and Associates
Westlake Village, Calif.
(805) 418-8103
syvetril.perryman@jdpa.com

Terry Lynam
Corporate Director, Public Relations
North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
125 Community Drive
Great Neck, NY 11021
(516) 465-2640
tlynam@nshs.edu