New York State Department of Health Healthcare Facilities Earn Five-Star Ratings From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Helen Hayes Hospital and Veterans Home at Batavia Recognized for Continued Excellence in Patient Care
ALBANY, NY (October 29, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health announced today that its Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw and Veterans Home at Batavia have once again received five-star ratings and the distinction of being high-performing nursing homes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
This continued five-star designation through the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System recognizes both facilities long-standing commitment to excellence in skilled nursing and inpatient subacute physical rehabilitation. Each facility earned five stars in the categories of health inspections and quality measures—underscoring the exceptional quality of care provided by the dedicated professionals who serve each facility's residents and patients. Both Helen Hayes Hospital and the Veterans Home at Batavia also received a high-performing nursing home emblem on the CMS website, which acknowledges facilities that perform much above average, have fewer safety violations, higher staffing levels and meet other quality standards.
"This achievement highlights the work being done by the dedicated staff at these facilities who provide excellent care and oversight," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "To be granted the five-star CMS designation is a tremendous accomplishment. The outstanding care provided by Helen Hayes Hospital and the Veterans Home at Batavia represent the high-quality standard we are committed to ensuring is available to all New Yorkers."
"Our long-held distinction as a five-star CMS facility reflects the high standards of care our hospital upholds every day," Chief Executive Officer of Helen Hayes Hospital Scott Guevin said. "Our Skilled Nursing Facility and Transitional Care Unit remain focused on providing safe, effective, patient-centered rehabilitation that helps our patients achieve meaningful progress and return to greater independence."
"Our longstanding Five-Star rating reflects our unwavering commitment to the veterans we are privileged to serve," Batavia Veterans Home Administrator Lawrence Piselli said. "Providing the highest quality of care is not simply a goal, but an expectation embedded in our mission. This continued recognition is a testament to our dedicated staff and the enduring support of our community, whose shared commitment makes our success possible."
The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System was developed to help patients and caregivers assess the quality of nursing home services throughout the nation. Individual facility ratings can be accessed in detail on the CMS Nursing Home Compare website: www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare.
About Helen Hayes Hospital:
Helen Hayes Hospital is a national leader in physical rehabilitation, providing comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services for individuals recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and other disabling conditions. Founded in 1900, the hospital has served as a center of excellence in rehabilitation medicine for more than 126 years, combining innovation, expertise, and compassionate care to help patients achieve their highest level of function and independence. Operated by the New York State Department of Health, Helen Hayes Hospital remains dedicated to improving lives through exceptional rehabilitative care. For more information, visit www.helenhayeshospital.org.
About the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia:
The Veterans Home at Batavia, also operated by the New York State Health Department, is a 126-bed skilled nursing home that provides long-term and short-term care, rehabilitative services, social and recreational experiences, memory care services and end-of-life care to veterans and eligible dependents. The Veterans Home, located in Genessee County, was established in 1995 and serves the Western Region of New York with exceptional care. For more information, visit here.
