(WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.) - Syosset Hospital, part of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, in Syosset, N.Y., has been recognized for a third consecutive year for service excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program. This distinction acknowledges a strong commitment by Syosset Hospital to provide its patients with an "outstanding inpatient experience." "Because patients place a high value on the service aspects of their hospital stay, providing patients with a consistent, positive experience year after year is as important to hospitals as it is to any other service industry," said David Stefan, executive director of the healthcare division of J.D. Power and Associates.

The service excellence distinction was determined by surveying a random sample of recently discharged Syosset Hospital patients on their perceptions of their hospital stay 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 inpatients focuses on the five key drivers of patient satisfaction with their overall hospital experience that were established in the national study. These drivers, which were identified in the national study, include: dignity and respect; speed and efficiency; comfort; information and communication; and emotional support.

Syosset Hospital exceeded the national benchmark study score for overall patient satisfaction by a notable margin. The hospital performed particularly well compared to the national study in providing care with speed and efficiency. The hospital received notably high ratings in this area on nurses' promptness in responding to the call button, speed and efficiency of discharge, and speed and efficiency of the admissions process. Syosset also performed well relative to the national study in the area of information and communication, especially on providing a clear explanation of how to manage care after leaving hospital, and the nurses' ability to explain the condition and treatment. Compared to the hospital's 2005 study findings, Syosset Hospital scored higher on overall patient satisfaction in 2006, as well as the five key drivers of patient satisfaction.

Among these key drivers, the hospital demonstrated the greatest improvement on information and communication and dignity and respect. When looking at the most important individual attributes, Syosset Hospital shows the greatest improvement from 2005 to 2006 on the hospital personnel's respect for privacy and the nurses' performance of regular duties.Additionally, patients were asked to rate their level of trust and confidence in the hospitals after their most recent stay. Among Syosset patients, 65 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 an increase in trust and confidence in the hospital because of their experience, as compared to the national average.The patients of Syosset were also asked about loyalty. Regarding their likelihood to return, 91 percent stated they definitely will or probably will do so. When asked about their likelihood to recommend, 93 percent said they definitely will or probably will do so. Syosset patients are more likely to return and recommend than those in the national study.

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 is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 290 offices in 38 countries. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Media Relations Contacts:
J.D. Power and Associates
John Tews
(248) 312-4119
john.tews@jdpa.com

Syvetril Perryman
(805) 418-8554
syvetril.perryman@jdpa.com

North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
Terry Lynam
(516) 465-2640
tlynam@nshs.edu