The not-for-profit and public hospitals that comprise the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) work every day to provide the best and most appropriate health care to any one who requires it. This requires diligence in the areas of clinical care, quality assurance, facility maintenance, and professional training and education.

Working with county, state, and federal elected officials and public and private watchdog agencies, the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council advocates for reasonable funding and reimbursement for hospitals, rational regulatory reforms, and other appropriate legislative measures. Promoting the achievements and successes of member hospitals to the public, media, and other interested parties is also an important component of the Council's membership agenda.

Recently, the Council re-structured its internal operations to more accurately meet the needs of its membership. Now an affiliate of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council expanded its offering of resources to members. In addition to Council generated reports on Long Island workforce issues and patient and provider trends, members benefit from more comprehensive reports and statewide data.

Emergency preparedness is now a top priority at the Council. A Disaster Preparedness Committee, that represents a cross-section of the Council membership, has been charged with the task of developing a coordinated plan among the member hospitals. This will allow each hospital and the Council, serving as central agency, to respond to any disaster with one voice and coordinated resources. The Committee is further divided into four work groups: command structure and communication, standards of care, training, and funding.

While the Council and its staff have gone through many changes during the past year, we know that we've emerged stronger, more focused, and more committed than ever to serving the needs of our member hospitals and their patients. Together, with our member hospitals, we act upon our mission each day: