Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center has been named the top-rated hospital in New Jersey for the second consecutive year, according to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings for 2024, which were released Tuesday morning.
This year, HUMC also was ranked among the Top 5 in the New York metro area.
The state rankings, however, annually draw the most attention.
For the second consecutive year, HUMC edged out Morristown Medical Center in their annual battle for the top spot in New Jersey. The two are the only hospitals to earn the No. 1 ranking in the U.S. News state rankings in the past 11 years.
Hackensack has earned the honor six times. Morristown has been so named four times. And once (in 2021), the two shared the top spot.
The remainder of the Top 5 in 2024 include:
- No. 3 Valley Hospital (Paramus);
- No. 4 Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore Medical Center (Neptune);
- No. 5 Overlook Medical Center (Summit).
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick) was ranked No. 6, followed by Cooper University Health Care – Camden at No. 7 and Jefferson Health – Stratford, Cherry Hill and Washington Township at No. 8.
No. 1 in the state
A look at the top hospital in the state, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, in the last 11 years:
- 2024: Hackensack University Medical Center
- 2023: HUMC
- 2022: Morristown Medical Center
- 2021: HUMC, Morristown (tie)
- 2020: Morristown
- 2019: Morristown
- 2018: Morristown
- 2017: HUMC
- 2016: HUMC
- 2015: HUMC
- 2014: HUMC
Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett said he was thrilled HUMC again took the top spot in the state, elated the hospital moved into the Top 5 in the metro area and proud that Jersey Shore jumped into the Top 5 in the state, giving HMH two hospitals in the top grouping.
“Hackensack Meridian Health is incredibly proud to have the top hospital in New Jersey once again and two hospitals ranked in the Top 4 in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report,” Garrett said.
“As New Jersey’s largest health network, we are committed to providing patients with the highest-quality, life-changing care. This recognition underscores the dedication of our world-class team members who work tirelessly to provide exceptional, compassionate care year after year.”
Mark Sparta, the president and chief hospital executive at HUMC and the president of the North Region of Hackensack Meridian Health, shared in the excitement.
“As New Jersey’s top hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center will continue to advance quality care for all of our patients,” he said. “With world-class team members and cutting-edge technology, we are elevating the patient experience by delivering personalized, exceptional care, and we look forward to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve.”
Atlantic Health System, which placed two hospitals in the Top 5 in the state (No. 2 Morristown and No. 5 Overlook), also was thrilled, CEO Brian Gragnolati said.
“These outstanding national and regional rankings demonstrate Atlantic Health System’s commitment to providing the highest possible care to our communities,” he said. “My gratitude goes out to every member of our dedicated team for the passion, talent and innovation they bring to work every day on behalf of our patients and their families.”
New Jersey officials have long preached that patients do not need to go to New York City for care. The rankings back that up.
The state had six hospitals in the Top 25 of the metro area, including HUMC (No. 5), Morristown (No. 10), Valley (No. 15), Jersey Shore (No. 18), Overlook (No. 20) and RWJ University Hospital (No. 22).
