LincolnHealth continues to distinguish itself when it comes to patient safety and high quality care.

For the ninth time in 11 years, LincolnHealth was named a Top Rural Hospital by the Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization recognized as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.

“I am so proud of our team for its continued commitment to quality and patient safety,” said Cindy Wade, BSN, MHA, President of LincolnHealth. “Achieving national recognition of this caliber while working tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic is an exceptional achievement. This honor reflects our commitment to our friends, neighbors and communities to ensure patient-centered care that produces the best possible outcomes.”

Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the Leapfrog awards in four different categories. LincolnHealth was just one of 23 hospitals across the country to earn Top Rural Hospital honors.

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, surgery, maternity care and the hospital’s ability to prevent medication and other errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology.

“We are pleased to recognize LincolnHealth as a Top Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Even with the continued strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, LincolnHealth demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to excellent health care in the Lincoln County. We congratulate the board, leadership, staff and clinicians who put their patients first.”

To earn the Top Hospital distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety.

To see the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.