For the fifth time in the past six years, LincolnHealth has been recognized by the Leapfrog Group as a Top Rural Hospital in the United States. Widely acknowledged as the most prestigious distinction a hospital can receive, the award recognizes a hospital’s commitment to excellence in patient safety and quality.

With only 21 other hospitals earning the Top Rural Designation across the country this year, LincolnHealth and the communities it serves have much to be proud of. 

“A hospital isn’t buildings and specialized equipment, a hospital is people,” commented LincolnHealth President Jim Donovan. “Earning even one Leapfrog Award is result of exceptional teamwork and dedication from all of our employees.  Consistently earning this recognition year after year is proof positive of something I’ve known for years.  Our region is blessed with some of the hardest working and committed health care professionals in the United States,” he said.

The Leapfrog Group considers performance across many areas of hospital care in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, maternity care, and a hospital’s ability to prevent medication errors.

“Being acknowledged as a Top Hospital is an incredible feat achieved by less than three percent of hospitals nationwide,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “With this honor, LincolnHealth has continued its commitment to safer and higher quality care. Providing this level of care to patients in Lincoln County, Maine requires motivation and drive from every team member. I congratulate the LincolnHealth Board of Trustees, the medical staff, the employees, the volunteers, and all whose efforts made this honor possible,” she added.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions.