Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Hospital has been recognized with the 2026 NRC Health Excellence in Patient Experience Award, honoring the hospital’s commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and creating positive experiences for the individuals and families it serves.
Guthrie County Hospital was one of just three Critical Access Hospitals nationwide recognized in the Excellence in Patient Experience-Critical Access Hospital category. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in patient experience across the continuum of care.
Recipients in this category were selected from 198 eligible Critical Access Hospitals based on their combined Real-time Net Promoter Score (NPS) and HCAHPS score for the “Would Recommend Facility” question during the measurement period of April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make up Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics,” Chris Stipe, chief executive officer, said. “Every interaction matters, and our staff work hard each day to make sure our patients feel heard, respected and cared for. We are incredibly proud to have that commitment recognized at a national level.”
Stipe said when most people think about patient experience, they may think about whether a patient was happy or satisfied with the care they received. He said that while that is certainly an important part of the patient experience, it is only one piece of a much larger picture.
“Patient experience plays a vital role in healthcare,” he said. “It can directly contribute to better health outcomes, improve treatment adherence, and enhance overall patient safety. At GCH, our staff does an exceptional job of focusing on the complete patient experience and providing compassionate, high-quality care that can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Stipe said what sets GCH apart is the way they welcome their patients.
“From the moment they walk through our doors, we want them to feel valued, respected, and cared for,” he said. “Our staff greets patients with a genuine smile and treats each person as we would a family member or close friend. That sense of warmth and personal connection is at the heart of what we do.”
Stipe said that at GCH, they believe excellent healthcare is about more than treating an illness or addressing a medical need. It is about caring for the whole person and making every patient feel like they are truly at home.
“The NRC Health Excellence in Patient Experience Awards celebrate organizations that are leading the way in patient-centered care. Honorees are recognized for their dedication to creating experiences that put patients first while elevating the quality and overall experience of healthcare,” Danielle Lauzon, safety and quality coordinator, said.
“NRC Health’s awards recognize organizations that consistently deliver experiences that earn trust, strengthen loyalty, and improve healthcare for the people they serve,” Trent Green, Chief Executive Officer for NRC Health, said. “This recognition reflects a sustained commitment to listening, learning, and acting on what matters most to patients, consumers, families, and care teams. We are honored to celebrate organizations that turn insight into action and set a powerful example for healthcare organizations nationwide.”
Guthrie County Hospital staff members say the award reinforces the organization’s ongoing commitment to listening to patients and using their feedback to continually improve the care and services provided throughout the organization.
“We are grateful to our patients and families who take the time to share their experiences with us,” Stipe said. “Their feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. Most importantly, this award belongs to our entire team, whose dedication and compassion make a difference for our patients every day.”