Rhode Island Hospital

About Rhode Island Hospital

A Leader in Medical Care

Rhode Island Hospital is a private, 719-bed, not-for-profit acute care hospital. We are the largest hospital in the state and provide comprehensive services to patients. We have particular expertise in cardiology, including the state’s only open heart surgery program; oncology; neurosciences; orthopedics; organ transplantation; pediatrics; psychiatry and diabetes.

Rhode Island Hospital is the only Level I trauma center for southeastern New England, providing expert staff and equipment in emergency situations 24 hours a day.

We are the principal teaching and research hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the largest and most comprehensive of the Brown affiliated hospitals.

Our pediatric division, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, is the state’s premier pediatric facility. We have the area’s only pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric oncology and cardiac programs, pediatric imaging center, and separate emergency and operating suites designated for pediatric patients. We have earned worldwide recognition for our family-centered environment and expert staff.

Our Proud History

On October 6, 1868, a 59-year-old shoemaker entered a hospital in Providence. His diagnosis was not unusual and his treatment was uneventful. Yet he represented a milestone in the history of medicine in New England because he—John Sutherland—was the first patient admitted to Rhode Island Hospital.

Several years earlier, a small group of visionary Rhode Islanders had begun planning the community hospital. In 1857, a bequest by Moses Brown Ives established a fund for a hospital in Rhode Island. Since then, Rhode Island Hospital has expanded beyond Ives’ early vision to become the principal provider of specialty care in the state and a major teaching and research center.

Our Commitment to Health Care Excellence

Rhode Island Hospital is a founding partner of Lifespan, a comprehensive health system providing accessible, high-value services to the people of Rhode Island and southeastern New England. The other Lifespan partners are The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital and Gateway Healthcare.

Our affiliation with Brown University began in 1969 and, in the years since, we have grown to be the major teaching and research hospital in the region. Our board-certified physicians hold faculty appointments at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, allowing us to attract leading physicians from around the country.

Rhode Island Hospital has earned a national reputation for excellence in the training of physicians. More than 42 residencies are available and encompass almost every medical specialty.

Our medical, professional and support staffs use research, technology and exceptional skills to set new standards of care for our patients and their families. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a member of numerous professional associations.