Critical Access hospitals recognized for their commitment to quality care
On June 25, 2024, the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) recognized 13 rural hospitals across the state through its Critical Access Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence program. The presentation was part of WSHA’s 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Conference at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan, Wash.
These hospitals worked on quality improvement and submitted data on up to 14 quality improvement measures, including sepsis, workplace violence, diagnostic excellence and health disparities.
Hospitals had to achieve an average score of five (out of 10) across all eligible measures to gain recognition. Data submission and participation in quality improvement initiatives is voluntary.
The hospitals recognized in 2024 were:
- Arbor Health (Morton, Wash.)
- Columbia Basin Hospital (Ephrata, Wash.)
- Forks community Hospital (Forks, Wash.)
- Jefferson Healthcare (Port Townsend, Wash.)
- Lourdes Medical Center (Pasco, Wash.)
- Newport Hospital & Health Services (Newport, Wash.)
- North Valley Hospital (Tonasket, Wash.)
- Ocean Beach Hospital & Medical Clinics (Ilwaco, Wash.)
- Providence Mount Carmel Hospital (Colville, Wash.)
- Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital (Chewelah, Wash.)
- St. Elizabeth Hospital (Enumclaw, Wash.)
- Summit Pacific Medical Center (Elma, Wash.)
- Willapa Harbor Hospital (South Bend, Wash.)
“The Critical Access Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence program showcases our smallest and most rural hospitals’ commitment to providing care in their communities,” WSHA Senior Vice President of Safety and Quality Darcy Jaffe said. “Their dedication to improvement exemplifies the spirit of safety and quality in patient care.”
This is WSHA’s second year honoring Critical Access hospitals for tracking performance. Critical Access hospitals are those with 25 or fewer beds, that are located more than 35 miles from another hospital, maintain an average length of stay of 96 hours or less for acute care patients and provide 24/7 emergency care services.
