Memorial Hospital earns five-star rating from the National Rural Rating System

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Memorial Hospital recently was awarded a five-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing excellence in rural healthcare.

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 healthcare needs of the rural community it serves.

In a press release, Brian Lee, chairman of the National Rural Rating System, said, “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.”

The Five-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.

Sixty percent of small and rural hospitals do not qualify because of the low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings, but they are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This new program recognizes the 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.