Aspirus Grand View repeats as Top 20 Critical Access Hospital

IRONWOOD — For the second year in a row, Aspirus Grand View was ranked among the top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association, according to a hospital news release last week.

“We are proud of the efforts and dedication from our providers, staff, volunteers and board,” Grand View CEO Paula Chermside said in the release. “This award is both a testament to the high-quality, patient-centered care available at our hospital and to the skill and dedication of our team. We are honored to serve our community and embrace the trust our patients have in us.”

A critical access hospital is one that is “located in a rural area, provides 24-hour emergency services, is limited to 25 acute care beds and focuses on community needs,” according to the release.

There are 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals in the country.

The top 20 hospitals were chosen based on nine areas of strength, according to the release, including inpatient market share, outpatient market share, population risk, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives and financial stability.

Grand View was in the top 20 hospitals in 2015 as well, and was selected as one of the top 100 critical access hospitals in the country in 2014.

When last year’s designation was announced, Grand View’s manager of marketing and public relations David Sim said the hospital had been increasing its focus on quality and patient service in recent years.

Grand View was one of two hospitals in Michigan to earn the designation, with Sparrow Clinton Hospital in Saint Johns also making the list. Four Wisconsin hospitals — Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinic in Medford, Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill, Ministry Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay and Tomah Memorial Hospital in Tomah — also made the list.

All 20 hospitals will be honored at an award ceremony during the National Rural Health Association’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo., according to the release.

— Richard Jenkins