Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing Facility Wins Top Honor

One of the nation's top nursing homes is located in the heart of Riverhead, according to a recently released study -- and the facility just received five stars for its quality care.

 The Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing Facility was named one of the nation’s highest quality nursing homes in U.S. News & World Report's fifth annual “Best Nursing Homes” rankings, released this week.

The nursing facility is located on the grounds of Peconic Bay Medical Center.

The five-star ranking, the highest ranking awarded, is the second high honor received recently by the Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. In December, the facility, which features 60 beds, received a five-star ranking from Nursing Home Compare, the public ranking service of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The U.S. News & World Report study indicated that patients at the Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility received a daily average of 161 minutes of nursing care from registered and licensed nursing professionals, 75 percent more than the New York State average and 68 percent more than the national average for nursing homes, according to a release issued by PBMC.

Peconic Bay patients also received nearly four times as much care from physical therapy staff members as the New York State and national averages, according to the report.

“The quality, compassion and dedication of our nurses and support staff are truly extraordinary,” said Andrew J. Mitchell, FACHE, President and CEO of PBMC Health and Peconic Bay Medical Center. “Our staff members truly believe in treating patients as though they are treasured members of their extended families. We are thrilled that they are getting the recognition they deserve.”

The Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing Facility provides short-term rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgeries, accidents, injuries and strokes, as well as long-term care, palliative care and end-of-life care. One specialty includes providing advanced rehabilitation services for post-operative joint replacement patients.

One recent patient, Robert Muse of Mastic Beach, recently underwent hip replacement surgery at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

“I just got a very good feeling from the moment I walked through the door," Muse said. "I cannot give a bad report on anything, as everyone here has been kind, compassionate and caring. My recovery from my surgery has been flawless and I cannot believe it has gone this fast with much less pain and discomfort than I anticipated.”

The rating was based on a number of categories, including health inspections, nurse staffing, quality measures and fire safety. The report also indicated that the PBMC nursing facility had received no penalties. 

 “This is truly an honor our entire team can be proud of,” Ronald McManus, PBMC Health senior vice president and chief administrator for the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. “They all care deeply about the comfort and safety of the patients. We have a lot of highly trained and dedicated professionals here, but the one thing they have in common is an outstanding level of compassion.”

The facility offers 24-hour medical coverage and proximity to hospital and emergency services, and accepts patients on referral from discharge planners at hospitals from throughout the tri-state area, as well as through direct referrals from primary care physicians.   

“The five-star rating is a validation of what we already know – the staff of our skilled nursing facility delivers superb care and services, treating our patients like family.  I am proud to be associated with them and congratulate them on their achievement," Gerry Zunno, PBMC Health’s chief nursing officer and senior vice president for patient care services, said.