UTAH, March 26, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Five Intermountain Healthcare hospitals in Utah have been ranked among the top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for 2021 by a leading rural healthcare organization.
The Chartis Center for Rural Health ranked Bear River Valley Hospital, Cedar City Hospital, and Sevier Valley Hospital among the nation’s top rural facilities, and Garfield Memorial Hospital and Sanpete Valley Hospitals were ranked as top rural critical access hospitals, said a news release from Intermountain Healthcare.
For the past 11 years, the Chartis Center’s annual rankings have recognized outstanding performance among the nation’s rural facilities, the news release said. Hospitals are scored in 36 independent indicators across eight categories, such as quality of care, patient outcomes, affordability, and financial efficiency. Hospitals with the highest overall scores are included in the annual rankings.
“Being named to the Top 100 Rural Hospitals list is a tremendous honor,” said Brandon Vonk, Bear River Valley Hospital administrator. “Our caregivers are committed to providing the highest quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost. Sustaining high-quality patient experiences with positive outcomes has been particularly challenging during the pandemic over the past year, and it’s nice to see that work recognized.”
According to Chartis, nearly 25% of all rural hospitals are vulnerable to closure, and despite these national trends, no Intermountain rural hospitals in Utah have been closed. That stability is partially attributed to the strength of Intermountain’s local facilities and the systemwide model and commitment to telehealth and rural charity care.
“We’re delighted to be able to spotlight the efforts of these facilities,” said Michael Topchik of The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
“We’re very excited to be recognized in the 100 Critical Access Hospitals list,” said Alberto Vasquez, Garfield Memorial administrator. “Garfield’s caregivers are dedicated and compassionate individuals who provide outstanding care to their communities. I’m so proud to be associated with this outstanding group of caregivers.”
The Chartis Center for Rural Health, a leading rural healthcare organization, scored hospitals in 36 independent indicators across eight categories.
