Not every hospital is honored as one of the best in the nation, but Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (SNMH) has achieved this distinction. For the second time in a row, SNMH has been recognized as a Top Rural Hospital in the United States, an honor bestowed upon only 15 hospitals nationwide. The award, granted by the prestigious Leapfrog Group, signifies outstanding patient care and top-notch healthcare practices in multiple areas including infection rates, safer surgery procedures, maternity care, and thwarting medication errors.
This repeatedly awarded accolade is a testimony to SNMH’s unwavering commitment to deliver the safest, highest quality care to its community. SNMH’s President and CEO, Dr. Scott Neeley, provides a candid endorsement of the conviction and belief shared by every member of the team in the superior quality of care rendered at the institution. The fact that Dr. Neeley himself elected to undergo an essential surgery at SNMH reveals the level of trust patients and community members can invest in the hospital’s care.
Beyond the significant feat of consecutive Top Rural Hospital awards, SNMH’s stellar record includes recognition by the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a 5-Star Hospital – their highest ranking, and the Cal Healthcare Compare Opioid and Patient Safety Honor Rolls presented by the State of California. The acknowledgment extends to laud the outcome of practical patient care, and SNMH’s substantial contributions to preventing harm related to opioid use disorders, hospital-acquired conditions, and medical errors.
This is not just about trophies; it’s about proven success stories. One salient example of such triumphs is SNMH’s exceptional record of having zero cases of bloodstream infection due to intravenous catheter, over a span of four years, as of January 5 of this year. This accomplishment positions SNMH in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide in this critical category of infection prevention.
As SNMH looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to its core mission of fostering healthy lives amongst Nevada County community members, both within and beyond the boundaries of the hospital. As part of this commitment, it aims to collaborate with the County and interested parties to construct a coalition designed to help citizens maximize their ‘healthspans’ – years of life augmented by good health, independence, and fulfilling activities.
A clear message from Dr. Neeley reinforces the hospital’s ongoing pledge to quality improvement and the provision of safe practices. He assures the community that SNMH’s diligent efforts in these areas will continue, thus positioning itself as not just a Top Hospital, but the finest rural medical center in the state. The sustained success of SNMH is due to its solid roots in its community, and the support it receives from it. Dr. Neeley extends a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards those in the community who have entrusted SNMH with their healthcare, and to all who support the hospital through the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation. He reaffirms the hospital’s commitment to work arduously every single day to maintain that trust and support.