Cox Barton County Hospital recognized as Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for overall performance

Cox Barton County Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for overall performance, a national honor recognizing the hospital’s performance across multiple areas of care and operations.

Hospital leaders traveled to Kansas City on Sept. 18 to formally accept the recognition during the National Rural Health Association’s Critical Access Hospital Conference. The award was first announced in April.

Cox Barton is one of just three critical access hospitals in Missouri recognized among the Top 20 for overall performance.

The recognition is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which evaluates critical access hospitals across eight areas, including quality, outcomes, patient perspective and financial performance.

“This outstanding achievement highlights our commitment to excellence in healthcare, including delivering timely, high-quality stroke care close to home,” said Andrea McKay, president of Cox Barton County Hospital. “We are here when every moment matters.”

The national honor reflects the work of the hospital team to provide high-quality care and services to patients throughout Barton County and the surrounding communities.

Photo, left to right: Dr. Jeremy Sturgell, medical director of the Cox Barton Emergency Department; Rosie Hubbard, administrative director of nursing; Andrea McKay, hospital president; Brandee Guiheen, medical assistant, Medical One Clinic; and Sean Guiheen, nurse manager of the ED and Medical-Surgical Unit.