Coffey County Hospital earned national recognition as one of "27 Critical Access Hospitals to Know," an annual list compiled by Becker's Hospital Review.
"This accomplishment reflects not just our patient care statistics, but also the hospital's role in the community," said Coffey Health System Board of Trustees Chair Steve Hopkins. "For this list, Becker's looks at how critical access hospitals are changing and evolving in the challenging world of rural healthcare."
Becker's is an industry source for healthcare decision makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry.
The April 12 announcement lauds Coffey County Hospital's commitment to charting new territory for rural healthcare.
"Coffey County Hospital boasts 25 beds and 133 credentialed providers. Established 70 years ago, the rural hospital is currently focused on expanding care access for patients and forging partnerships with educational institutions to train future providers…," the announcement reads. "The hospital is also training its clinicians in dementia diagnosis and treatment, with a new program in partnership with the Kansas City-based University of Kansas Health System kicking off in October 2023."
One of the biggest challenges for small, rural hospitals is providing vital services close to home. Coffey County Hospital provides the same state-of-the-art services as urban hospitals and is turning the tables for urban patients with its new MRI system. An increasing number of patients now come to Burlington to forgo long wait times seen in metro areas.
"Over the past year, the hospital completed the design and implementation of a new MRI suite, bringing additional prostate and breast services to patients. As a result, the hospital has seen an increase in referrals from urban providers," according to the announcement.
Becker's describes critical access hospitals (CAHs) as vital components of the overall healthcare delivery system, providing quality care to rural residents and visitors. CAHs are pivotal in expanding access to specialty care, reducing patient travel times, and improving community health. They offer 24/7 emergency care and have no more than 25 inpatient beds.
Hospitals are selected to the annual "Critical Access Hospitals to Know" list based upon written nominations and editorial research of rankings and awards from several respected organizations, including Healthgrades, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The NRHA recognized Coffey County Hospital as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for quality for 2022 and 2023 and as a Performance Leader for excellence in quality for 2023.
"In a time when rural hospitals are struggling, it is gratifying to shine a light on the dynamic role Coffey County Hospital plays in the greater community," said Chief Executive Officer Joben Rieth. "For 70 years, the hospital has grown and evolved to fit the community's needs, finding new and creative ways to grow and thrive."
The recognition also highlights another distinctive role the hospital plays in the community—that of the designated emergency medical partner for the state's only nuclear generating station.
"Our important partnership with Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation places Coffey County Hospital in rare company," Hopkins said. “The hospital vigilantly monitors its preparedness to meet this unique potential for patient care. We continue to develop new training involving staff from multiple departments to ensure that we are prepared to offer the safest, best possible care in the event of an emergency. Few CAH hospitals face this challenge, but Coffey County Hospital prides itself on finding new ways to prepare and protect our community."
Coffey County Hospital is the only Kansas hospital recognized this year.