SMITH CENTER, Kan. – As part of National Rural Health Day, Smith County Memorial Hospital today announced it has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in two categories: quality and patient perspective. The Performance Leadership Award program utilizes the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX® to recognize top quartile performance among Critical Access Hospitals and Rural & Community Hospitals.
“Our team strives every day to do what is right for our patients and the communities we serve,” said Allen Van Driel, CEO of the hospital. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for our achievements in the areas of quality and patient perspective.”
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Based entirely on publicly available data sources, the INDEX methodology is the data foundation for a number of industry-leading rural recognition programs, rural health safety net-related research, and legislative initiatives. Performance Leadership Award recipients are rural hospitals ranking in the 75th percentile or above in the INDEX performance pillars for Quality, Outcomes, or Patient Perspective.
“Despite the fact that COVID-19 has created greater instability across the rural health safety net, we continue to see countless examples of rural hospitals rising to the challenge to serve their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “I believe this dedication to mission and drive to overcome unexpected challenges echoes the long-standing commitment among rural hospitals to deliver high-quality care. We are thrilled to honor this year’s top quartile performers.”
“Across the nation, rural hospitals have been working exceptionally hard to adjust to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it has not been an easy year, I believe the perseverance displayed by rural hospitals and their partners at the State Offices of Rural Health exemplifies the true spirit of National Rural Health Day,” said Teryl Eisinger, Chief Executive Officer, NOSORH. “We are delighted to join The Chartis Center for Rural Health in honoring the 2020 Performance Leadership Award winners.”
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Smith County Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital, with an attached rural health clinic located in Smith Center, Kan. Our medical staff includes four board-certified family medicine physicians and four nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. SCMH is proud of the rich history of medical providers, nursing staff and support staff and is privileged to employ qualified community-minded leaders. For more information visit scmhks.org.
For more details about The Chartis Center for Rural Health and the Hospital Strength INDEX, contact Billy Balfour, at 207-245-6761 or email wbalfour@chartis.com.