Illini Community Hospital recognized for patient satisfaction as critical access hospital

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Illini Community Hospital recently was recognized by the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) as one of the top 10 critical access hospitals in the state for patient satisfaction.

The award was based upon the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance Index, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance.

Holly Jones, administrator at Illini Community Hospital, says patient satisfaction is an important element of a high-quality healthcare experience and a staff goal.

“Exceptional patient satisfaction is one of our health system’s strategic objectives,” Jones said in a press release. “I am proud of the work of our staff and the care it provides every day.  We want our patients to receive exceptional care and continue to use Illini and the Blessing Health System for their health care needs.”

The award received by Illini was part of ICAHN’s first “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program. It recognized 14 outstanding small, rural hospitals based on quality, operational and financial performance. ICAHN is a network of 60 hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its members through collaboration.

“Across the state of Illinois, our rural hospitals work diligently each day to provide quality healthcare to the communities they serve,” said Pat Schou, executive director, Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. “We are thrilled to be able to introduce the Neighbors Helping Neighbors award program and recognize these facilities, their leadership teams and their staff for their commitment and dedication.”

Critical Access Hospital is a federal designation designed to keep essential services in rural communities. To be designated as a critical access hospital, the organization must:

• Have 25 or fewer acute care inpatient beds
• Be located more than 35 miles from another hospital
• Maintain an annual average length of stay of 96 hours or less for acute care patients
• Provide 24/7 emergency care services