Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital, a committed healthcare provider located in Carthage, Illinois, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious five-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing excellence in rural healthcare. This esteemed designation is a testament to Memorial Hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.
The five-star rating reflects Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.
Brian Lee, Chairman of the National Rural Rating System, reflects, “This award is a tribute to their unwavering commitment, dedication, expertise, and compassionate care provided to the community every day. In a rural setting, where healthcare challenges are unique and often complex, achieving this level of excellence signifies clinical capabilities and a deep connection to the community. This recognition reaffirms rural healthcare as a beacon of health, hope, and healing.”
Memorial Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.
The 5-Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of the low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This new program recognizes the hard work and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS – Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors. For more information, visit FiveStarRatings.org.
As a reminder, filling out an HCAHPS survey is crucial for hospitals aiming to achieve a 5-star rating. Having patients fill out these surveys not only aids in achieving a 5-star rating but also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement within the hospital, ensuring that patient experiences and satisfaction remain a priority.
Individuals in the photo from left to right:
Front Row: Brian Lee, CEO of Custom Learning Systems; Ada Bair, CEO; Brad Culpepper, Director of Hospitality; Sid Thrapp, Director of Environmental Services; Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer; Chaka Batley, Director of Behavioral Health Services; Sheridan Voshake, Medical Laboratory Supervisor; Greta Wetzel, Executive Director of Memorial Hospital Foundation; Jackie Orr, RN; Jill Schlatter, Director of Diagnostic Imaging; and Mary Lou Sadler, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Back Row: Ashlyn Housewright, Executive Director of Community Health & Wellness; Sadena Jackson, Director of Emergency Services/Education; Dr. Michael Ottney, and Shellie Mittermeyer, Executive Assistant
