U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4) today congratulated the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) for being named a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Created in 1987 to honor the memory of former Commerce Secretary Malcolm Baldrige, the award is the nation's highest honor and only Presidential award for quality achievement by companies, agencies and organizations. RWJ Hamilton, which was honored in the healthcare category, is the first hospital in New Jersey and fourth in the country to receive the prestigious award.

    RWJ Hamilton was presented the award by Vice President Dick Cheney at a ceremony in Washington. This is the first time a New Jersey company has received the award since 1994. 

    "It is my honor to recognize and congratulate RWJ Hamilton for receiving this prestigious award,” said Rep. Smith, who represents Mercer County, New Jersey. “This award recognizes RWJ Hamilton for its organization performance excellence. We in Hamilton know RWJ Hamilton as a good neighbor for its tireless work during the anthrax crisis of 2001.” 

    Rep. Smith had a flag flown over the Capitol Building to commemorate today’s special occasion. The flag certificate read: This flag is flown for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital of Hamilton, New Jersey on the occasion of receiving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s only Presidential award for quality and organizational performance excellence. RWJ Hamilton, also known for its leadership role in responding to the health needs of the community during the 2001 anthrax attacks, is the first hospital to receive this award in New Jersey and the only hospital to receive the prestigious Baldrige Award in 2004. 

    “It is a proud achievement for a hospital to be honored with the Baldrige Award,” said Smith. “I commend the entire Hamilton Team, especially Christy Stephenson for her leadership and good work.”