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Five HHC Ambulatory Surgery Centers Recognized Nationally

December 15, 2025

All five eligible Hartford HealthCare ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) made Leapfrog Group’s nationwide “Top Ambulatory Surgery Center” list for exceptional performance in clinical outcomes, patient safety and processes protecting patients.

Just 37 ASCs nationwide earned this distinction in 2025 from Leapfrog, an independent organization widely regarded as the nation’s leading advocate for patient safety and transparency. Leapfrog’s Top ASC award recognizes efforts in staffing, hand hygiene compliance, patient experience, infection prevention and practices for safer surgery and error prevention.

“This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of Hartford HealthCare, Constitution Surgery Alliance (CSA), the managing partner of our ASCs, and our exceptional ASC physician partners,” said Karen Goyette, system executive vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer. “This award only further validates our collective commitment to ensuring patients access to more affordable, world-class quality care.”

Hartford HealthCare ASCs have earned nine total Leapfrog Top ASC designations since the program’s 2022 inception. This year’s recognition includes:

  • HHC Cheshire Surgery Center, second consecutive year
  • HHC Southwest Connecticut Surgery Center in Wilton, second consecutive year
  • HHC Hartford Surgery Center, second recognition
  • HHC Rocky Hill Surgery Center, second recognition
  • HHC Surgery Center East in Waterford, first recognition

“Quality is the foundation of everything we do,” said Ajay Kumar, MD, HHC executive vice president and chief clinical officer. “This recognition — one of the most challenging in the industry to earn — means our patients can trust they receive care here that meets the highest national standards.”

The recognized ASCs are part of a network providing access to outpatient surgical care in orthopedics, total joint replacement, spine surgery pain management and ophthalmology. CSA, a leading developer and operator of outpatient surgery centers, is the managing partner of the ASCs.

“Achievements like this inspire us to keep raising the bar, because every improvement translates into better outcomes and experiences for those we serve,” said Kris Mineau, CSA founder and CEO.

The Leapfrog ASC awards are the latest national recognition for Hartford HealthCare. Other recent quality achievements include:

  • American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize in 2025 – the only health system in the country to receive the top honor.
  • In 2023 and 2024, all seven Hartford HealthCare hospitals earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group.
  • A 76% reduction in hospital-acquired infections over the past decade and a 67% reduction in serious safety events since 2019.

Leapfrog announced the Top ASC awards at its annual meeting and awards dinner. Also at the event, Hartford HealthCare President & CEO Jeffrey Flaks was awarded the Steven Schroeder Award for Outstanding Healthcare CEO. The prestigious award recognizes courageous and ethical leadership in addressing the twin challenges of quality and affordability in healthcare.