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Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead has earned Magnet recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence and quality patient care.

The designation, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, places PBMC among a select group of hospitals that meet rigorous standards for nursing practice, leadership, professional development and patient care.

“Earning Magnet recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary dedication our nurses bring to their patients and to each other every single day,” PBMC President Dr. Amy Loeb said. “This distinction belongs to our entire nursing team, whose commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate care and continuous improvement has transformed the culture of this hospital.”

The recognition followed a multi-year application process that included an on-site evaluation by ANCC appraisers, who reviewed hospital practices and met with nurses, physicians and other staff members. Magnet designation is valid for four years.

The honor comes during a period of growth at the Riverhead hospital, which has also earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and was named one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek.