Nassau Standard

Kerri Scanlon has played a significant role at Northwell Health for over 25 years, taking on various leadership positions such as associate executive director and chief nursing officer at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Currently, she serves as the executive director of Glen Cove Hospital, Syosset Hospital, and Plainview Hospital.

In an interview with LEADERS Magazine, Scanlon discussed her responsibilities and the crucial function that Northwell's community hospitals have in aligning healthcare across the system. "I, along with the team, set the strategic vision and operational infrastructure for three hospitals. My role revolves around being the driving force behind their success," she stated.

Scanlon emphasized the importance of teamwork and trust in creating a successful healthcare environment. She noted that a collaborative approach enhances problem-solving and fosters a sense of belonging among staff members. This culture is vital for employee satisfaction and retention while also improving patient care.

Providing an overview of Glen Cove, Plainview, and Syosset Hospitals, Scanlon highlighted their status as community hospitals committed to excellence in healthcare. Each hospital is recognized as a Destination Center of Excellence in surgery, medicine, or acute rehabilitation.

Glen Cove Hospital received accolades such as a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A. It was also ranked 24th nationally for Acute Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report.

Plainview Hospital achieved The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A for patient safety excellence and was ranked among the Top 50 nationally for Diabetes and Endocrinology by U.S. News & World Report.

Syosset Hospital distinguished itself with its orthopedics program ranking 7th nationally by U.S. News & World Report due to its dedication to orthopedic care excellence.

"What truly makes these hospitals remarkable is not just their accolades but the incredible team behind them," said Scanlon. All three hospitals rank in the top three for employee engagement within Northwell Health with an engagement rate exceeding 92 percent.

Scanlon underscored the importance of aligning community hospitals' visions with Northwell Health's broader objectives: "Northwell is not simply an industry leader; it is a beacon of innovation, quality, and compassion in health care." She believes this alignment enhances services, improves patient outcomes, builds community trust, advances research efforts, promotes health equity, empowers staff members through shared purposefulness within modern healthcare delivery complexities.

Reflecting on her three-decade tenure at Northwell Health filled Scanlon with gratitude: "Northwell is more than just a health care organization — it is a family." She praised executive leaders like CEO Michael Dowling & COO Mark Solazzo whose mentorship helped shape her professional growth journey while fostering organizational thriving conditions through genuine supportiveness towards team members' aspirations collectively pursuing excellence togetherness spirit beyond work environments into communities served passionately throughout years past present future alike."

This interview first appeared in LEADERS Magazine.