Spencer Hospital Named Among Nation’s Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals

Spencer Hospital recently announced national recognition as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital, yet this week the news became even sweeter. The National Rural Health Association has shared that Spencer Hospital is one of the 20 highest-ranking rural and community hospitals in the country among approximately 800 mid-sized facilities. 

”I am so proud of our healthcare community. Each day our healthcare team is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for our patients and community,” said Brenda Tiefenthaler, Spencer Hospital president. “The recognition is appreciated, yet even more valued is the dedication of our healthcare team, medical staff, volunteers and other members of our local healthcare community. They perform the work and extend the caring that has resulted in achieving this level of excellence.”

Spencer Hospital has been one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals for nine consecutive years, which is how long the Chartis Center for Rural Health has been using data to determine the ranking. Spencer Hospital is the only Iowa hospital to achieve this status each of those nine year. Once the Top 100 are determined, the National Rural Health Association uses the analytics to recognize the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals. Spencer Hospital has earned the Top 20 distinction both in 2022 and 2024.

Julie Christensen, chairman of the Spencer Hospital board, remarked, “This recognition not only highlights the outstanding efforts of the healthcare professionals and staff at Spencer Hospital, but also underscores the hospital’s vital role as a cornerstone of our community’s health and well-being.”

The criteria for selecting the top hospitals uses data from several different categories, including patient satisfaction, patient outcomes resulting from their care, quality measures, market share, charges and costs.