Mercy Hospital Paris has been named among the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAH) in the country for 2024, a recognition that was celebrated May 14 during a lunch and ceremony for co-workers and the community.
As determined by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the top 20 CAHs were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). The May 14 celebration was held to recognize Mercy Paris co-workers and included leaders from both Mercy and the Paris community.
Mercy Paris was named to the top 20 from among 1,353 critical access hospitals throughout the U.S.
“This Top 20 designation is truly something to celebrate,” said Juli Stec, Mercy’s vice president of patient services. “Our co-workers deserve this recognition; they work so hard every day to provide high-quality care in Paris, and we are pleased that Chartis has recognized their efforts. We can’t thank our co-workers enough for all they do and for all they will continue to do for patients and for the community.”
The recognition comes just months after Mercy Paris was named among the top 100 critical access hospitals, a list that also includes Mercy hospitals in Berryville, Booneville, Ozark and Waldron.
The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight measurements of strength which includes quality, outcomes, patient perspective and cost.
Mercy Hospital Paris is a 13-bed critical access hospital serving Logan County. Along with the 24-hour emergency room, the hospital offers many services to the community, including laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy and physical therapy, as well as access to specialists using secure video links that enable patients to be seen virtually.
“We’re here to take care of our community,” said Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Arkansas Communities. “I want to thank this team. This represents your commitment to the community, the commitment to the ministry and really your commitment to each other. You have to bring your ‘A’ game every day in order for us to achieve this recognition.”
Dr. Mark Bailey, Mercy Fort Smith board chairman and a practicing physician in a rural community, noted that, “You understand that awards of this magnitude are not just handed out. They’re not easily attained. They’re only achieved through really, really hard work and dedication to the hospital, your fellow co-workers, and area residents you serve day-in and day-out.”
The recognition is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance index. Now in its 14th year, the index measures and monitors performance using publicly available data across a variety of areas impacting patient care, hospital operations and finance. An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Missouri.
“I truly tie this award back to Mercy’s mission statement: As the Sisters of Mercy before us, we bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus through our compassionate care and exceptional service,” Stec said.
