Phelps Hospital First in Nation to Earn Age-Friendly Geriatric Surgery Distinction

By Rick Pezzullo—

Northwell’s Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow has earned Age-Friendly Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), making it the first in the nation to earn this distinction.

The ACS recognized Phelps’ commitment to delivering specialized, high-quality, patient-centered surgical care designed specifically for older adults. When undergoing surgery, older adults often face a higher risk of complications, prolonged recovery times, cognitive changes and loss of independence.

The GSV program, launched in late 2025, recognizes hospitals that address these unique challenges through tailored evidence-based care across the surgical experience. Implementing the evidence-based standards outlined by the GSV program has been shown to reduce incidents of delirium and shorten the average length of stay in the hospital after an operation.

“Care goes beyond just a successful surgery; it’s about ensuring the outcome aligns with the patient’s personal aspirations for quality of life, independence and ability to continue cherished activities,” said Dr. Parul Shukla, chief of colon and rectal surgery for Northwell’s Westchester region and director for the Age-Friendly GSV Program at Phelps Hospital. “Understanding their personal wishes and life goals is a cornerstone of the age-friendly approach, and every step of our program at Phelps was designed with their unique needs at heart.”

The ACS conducted a rigorous on-site visit at Phelps, evaluating performance across six critical domains: age-friendly care leadership; alignment of treatment with patient goals; geriatric vulnerability screening; management of identified risks; age specific postoperative care; and ongoing data review.

The evaluation found that Phelps consistently integrates geriatric-focused practices across the surgical continuum. Patients are screened for risks such as falls, cognitive impairment and nutritional concerns, with findings used to guide individualized care plans. Preoperative preparation includes targeted interventions like nutrition and functional assessments, while postoperative protocols focus on reducing complications through approaches such as early mobility, opioid-sparing pain management and structured daily routines. The program also includes ongoing analysis of patient outcomes to refine care and improve recovery.

“The Geriatric Surgery Verification program aligns perfectly with our vision at Phelps and across Northwell Health to advance care models that enhance the well-being and outcomes for our aging population, ensuring they receive personalized, high-quality and compassionate care,” said Dr. Tobe Banc, medical director for the Northwell Aging Institute.

By participating in the GSV program, Phelps has also earned designation as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, signifying its dedication to continuously improving procedures and maintaining the highest standards in surgical quality.

“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience, and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Northwell’s Phelps Hospital has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion and dedicating itself to continuous self-improvement,” said Dr. Patricia L. Turner, MBA, FACS, executive director and chief executive officer of ACS.

 

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