About Rhode Island Hospital

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.

Five years before that first patient, a small group of visionary Rhode Islanders began planning the community hospital that would become the major medical center in the state and beyond. In 1857 a bequest by Moses Brown Ives established a fund for a hospital in Rhode Island. 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

Our affiliation with Brown University began in 1969, and since then 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.

Rhode Island Hospital is one of only 122 hospitals across the country—and the only one in Rhode Island—to receive the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. This is the sixth consecutive year Rhode Island Hospital has received this award. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is a member of numerous professional associations.

Our Hospital Today

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, oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics and organ transplantation.

Rhode Island Hospital is the 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 hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School 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 and separate emergency and operating suites designated for pediatric patients. We have earned worldwide recognition for our family-centered environment and expert staff.

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. Our other Lifespan partners include The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Newport Hospital.

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