Cozad Community Hospital was recognized at the Nebraska Hospital Association Critical Access Hospitals Quality Conference as one of Nebraska's top 10 Critical Access Hospitals, receiving the prestigious 2024 Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award.

This esteemed award, presented in partnership with the Chartis Center for Rural Health and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, shines a light on the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to Cozad and surrounding communities.

The Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award is based on the Hospital Strength INDEX® framework, which evaluates hospitals across 22 core metrics from the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP). These metrics assess performance in areas such as quality of care, patient satisfaction, financial stability, and market share. The recognition places Cozad Community Hospital among the best of Nebraska's healthcare providers.

“Receiving the 2024 Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and expertise of the entire CCHS team,” said Renee Lighthall, Director of Quality at CCHS. “This recognition aligns with our vision of being the region’s provider of choice for quality, patient-centered health and wellness services. It inspires us to continue striving for excellence and motivates us to deliver even greater care to our community while consistently striving to uphold the highest standards of safety and service.”

The hospital’s consistent performance across these rigorous metrics stems from fostering a team-based approach to care. “We prioritize patient safety, continuous quality improvement, and effective collaboration,” Lighthall said. “These practices have been instrumental in achieving the exceptional patient outcomes that earned this recognition.”

Chief Nursing & Quality Officer Chandra Anderson echoed the critical role of teamwork in achieving this recognition. “This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated clinicians,” Anderson said. “Their expertise and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient outcomes exemplify the core values that drive CCHS’s mission and vision.”

Lighthall also emphasized the significance of the award for the community. “This award emphasizes that our community can rely on the Cozad Community Health System for exceptional, high-quality care,” she said.

This award serves as a reminder of the essential role Cozad Community Hospital plays in providing reliable, quality healthcare to rural communities. With this recognition, CCHS continues to lead the way in quality rural healthcare, inspiring confidence and delivering exceptional service.