WEBSTER CITY — Van Diest Medical Center, in Webster City, announced it has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital.

Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

“To be named as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital is truly an outstanding achievement,” said Lisa Ridge, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “We are extremely proud and honored to be recognized as one of the rural hospitals from across the country that demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation. We extend our appreciation and congratulations to our entire team of caregivers for their support and dedication in helping us to achieve this accomplishment.”

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, national leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

This award recognizes Van Diest Medical Center as a top performer excelling in managing risk, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and operating at a lower cost than its peers. The hospital serves as a benchmark for other rural facilities as they strive to achieve similar results and provides a blueprint for successfully navigating the uncertainty of the new health care. VDMC was one of only nine hospitals in the state of Iowa to receive this designation.