A Culture of Compassion and Commitment
Annamarie Grise, the development and communications manager for the Hospital for Special Care, believes that the organization is seen as a top workplace in Connecticut due to its strong connection between employees and the mission. “Our employees are connected to our mission,” Grise said. “They truly love being a part of our mission.” This sentiment is shared by the 1,300 employees at the New Britain hospital, which was founded in 1941 and has evolved over the years to meet the diverse needs of its patients.
The hospital offers a wide range of services, including long-term acute and chronic care, and has expanded to include specialized programs such as the first in-patient autism unit in Connecticut, which opened about five years ago. The facility handles approximately 55,000 outpatient visits annually, with about 85% of its patients covered by Medicaid.
Grise highlighted that the long-term nature of patient stays—sometimes lasting four months, six months, or even a year—creates deep connections between staff and patients. “They see them through that process,” she explained. Whether it’s helping a patient learn to walk again, use a prosthetic, recover from a heart issue, or assisting children in developing life skills, the work is often life-altering.
The 236-bed, nonprofit hospital focuses on chronic disease management, such as heart and lung conditions, and rehabilitation for individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries. It also provides care for patients requiring round-the-clock ventilator support, newborn and specialty pediatric care, and treatment for conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“Many of our patients say, ‘Staff gave me the courage, the tenacity, the strength to get out of bed,’” Grise said. “It is motivating them and cheering them on.” This kind of support is essential, especially for those facing significant challenges.
The hospital’s autism unit is a unique 1-to-1 program, where each patient is assigned a dedicated staff member. The average stay on this unit is 33 days, and it has served patients from 23 states. The $13.6 million unit was supported by former Governor Dannel P. Malloy and funding from bonding and donations.
Grise noted that staff members often have an innate ability to connect with patients going through life-changing experiences. This connection helps patients both physically and mentally, and many patients refer to their staff as “my champions.”
Life after an illness or accident may look different, but the hospital is equipped with tools to support patients every step of the way. “Our staff does not give up on patients,” Grise said. She also emphasized that staff members feel part of a team, driven by the mission of making a difference in patients’ lives.
The hospital offers various resources for individuals of all ages and abilities, including adaptive sports, therapeutic horseback riding, aquatics, and art programs. It also supports early career professionals in healthcare by providing student placements and clinical training opportunities for diverse students across Connecticut and beyond.
Additionally, the hospital administers scholarship programs for nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and certified nursing assistants, made possible by donors who support emerging healthcare heroes.
Dr. Nathan Nartey, a member of the hospital’s medical rehabilitation team, finds motivation in seeing positive outcomes. “I like connecting with my patients,” he said. “I love what I do.”
The hospital employs a wide range of professionals, including advanced practice registered nurses, psychiatrists, clinical and neuropsychologists, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, recreation specialists, behavioral analysts, nurses aides, accountants, health information management and technology specialists, clinical engineers, registered dieticians, chefs, lifeguards, coaches, chaplains, environmental services, and food service employees.
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