Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers Named Among World's Best Hospitals for 2026 by Newsweek

26 February 2026

Atlantic Health System's Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center have been honored among the world's best hospitals for 2026 by Newsweek, achieving this prestigious recognition for the eighth consecutive year. This accolade underscores the hospitals' unwavering commitment to superior patient care, safety protocols, and operational excellence, positioning them as leaders in the American healthcare landscape.

Morristown Medical Center secured the highest national ranking for any New Jersey hospital at No. 53, while Overlook Medical Center ranked No. 186 among U.S. facilities. Both institutions were also distinguished on Newsweek's Best in Infection Prevention list, surpassing national benchmarks set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on infection measures and adhering to Leapfrog's stringent hand hygiene criteria. These recognitions are particularly vital for hospital administrators focused on Infection Control and Facilities Management, as they highlight effective strategies in maintaining sterile environments and preventing healthcare-associated infections amid ongoing challenges.

The Newsweek World's Best Hospitals 2026 ranking, developed in collaboration with Statista Inc., evaluated over 2,500 hospitals across 32 countries, including 420 in the United States. Selection criteria encompassed expert medical recommendations, patient satisfaction surveys, key quality metrics such as hygiene and patient safety, and implementation of patient-reported outcome measures. This rigorous methodology provides hospital leaders with a benchmark for assessing their own performance in Healthcare Management and patient-centered care delivery.

Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, President and CEO of Atlantic Health, praised the achievement, stating, "The extraordinary care provided by our teams at Atlantic Health Morristown and Atlantic Health Overlook is truly world-class." He emphasized the role of dedicated staff—described as 'Champions'—in serving patients and communities effectively. For procurement professionals and clinical leadership, this success story illustrates the return on investments in staff training, technology upgrades, and process optimizations that contribute to sustained high performance.

In the context of broader U.S. hospital operations, these rankings come at a time when facilities nationwide grapple with workforce shortages, regulatory pressures, and reimbursement constraints. Morristown and Overlook's consistent top-tier status offers a model for Critical Care, Patient Monitoring, and overall service line management. Hospital executives can draw insights from their approaches to quality metrics, which align with demands from payers and accrediting bodies like The Joint Commission.

Furthermore, inclusion alongside elite institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital elevates Atlantic Health's profile for potential strategic partnerships and talent recruitment. Medical technology vendors and service providers targeting high-performing systems will find opportunities here, particularly in areas like Diagnostics and Imaging, Surgical Equipment, and Healthcare Information Technology integrations that support data-driven decision-making.

As healthcare organizations navigate 2026's landscape, marked by digital transformation and infrastructure upgrades, the 'All-Time Champions' designation for Morristown and Overlook serves as a testament to long-term strategic planning. Facility managers can replicate elements of their success by prioritizing evidence-based infection prevention, patient safety enhancements, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. This recognition not only boosts morale but also enhances market positioning, attracting patients seeking proven excellence in care.

The global scope of the ranking, spanning countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Japan, reaffirms the competitiveness of U.S. hospitals on an international stage. For decision-makers in Nephrology & Urology, Oncology, Cardiology, and other specialties, it signals the importance of holistic performance across departments to achieve such honors. Atlantic Health's dual listings exemplify integrated care models that procurement teams should consider when sourcing Consumables, Pharmaceuticals, and advanced medical devices.

In summary, this achievement reinforces the value of investing in robust Healthcare Management frameworks. Hospital administrators are encouraged to review the full Newsweek methodology for actionable takeaways, ensuring their facilities align with world-class standards in patient outcomes and operational efficiency.