Southcoast Health celebrates becoming only multi-hospital health system in New England to earn Pathway to Excellence designation for all hospitals

NEW BEDFORD — St. Luke’s Hospital has been officially designated as a Pathway to Excellence® Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the organization announced.

With this latest recognition, Southcoast Health has become the only multi-hospital health system in New England to earn the Pathway to Excellence designation for all of its hospitals. Charlton Memorial Hospital received the honor in 2024, Tobey Hospital followed in 2025, and St. Luke’s is now the third Southcoast facility to achieve the status.

The Pathway to Excellence designation is a global credential that recognizes hospitals for creating positive practice environments where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered. It emphasizes shared governance, professional development, and a culture that elevates nurses’ voices. St. Luke’s is now only the fifth hospital in Massachusetts to earn this distinction.

“Earning Pathway to Excellence designation reflects the deep respect and support our organization has for nurses and the outstanding care they deliver every day,” said David O. McCready, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southcoast Health.

The designation highlights Southcoast Health’s commitment to fostering healthy work environments across its entire system, ensuring nurses are supported so they can continue to deliver exceptional patient care.

This achievement places Southcoast Health among an elite group of healthcare organizations worldwide recognized for nursing excellence.

You to explore career opportunities with Southcoast Health at the following link: www.southcoast.org/careers/