Jefferson Healthcare Receives Top Honor in WSHA’s 2025 Rural Hospital Awards

Local hospital recognized with top honor from state hospital association for quality of care.

August 6, 2025

Jefferson Healthcare has been recognized by the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) with the Critical Access Hospital Achievement of Excellence distinction, an honor awarded to just 20 rural hospitals statewide in 2025 for their outstanding quality improvement efforts.

The award was announced June 25 during WSHA’s annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in Chelan, Washington. Jefferson Healthcare earned gold-level recognition, the highest tier awarded. This recognition highlights Jefferson Healthcare’s leadership in delivering high-quality, rural healthcare close to home.

“To receive this recognition is a reflection of the hard work, innovation and dedication of our entire team,” said Jefferson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Butterfield. “We’re deeply proud to be recognized among the top rural hospitals in the state for putting patients first and continually raising the bar on care quality and safety.”

About the program

To qualify, hospitals voluntarily submitted data on up to 14 key quality measures, including sepsis management, diagnostic accuracy, health equity efforts and workplace safety. Only hospitals achieving a minimum average score of five out of 10 across eligible measures were recognized. Jefferson Healthcare was one of 14 hospitals to earn gold status.

Now in its third year, WSHA’s Critical Access Hospital Achievement of Excellence program celebrates the essential role rural hospitals play in Washington’s healthcare system. Critical Access Hospitals serve communities that are often geographically isolated and operate with 25 or fewer inpatient beds.

“The Achievement of Quality Excellence program elevates the work of our most rural hospitals as they deliver high-quality care close to home,” said WSHA Senior Vice President of Safety and Quality Darcy Jaffe. “Their outstanding commitment to improvement is a testament to their leadership in patient care.”

Innovation continues at Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare continues to invest in high-quality care and expand access for East Jefferson County residents, most recently with the opening of a new hospital wing and expanded specialty services. The hospital will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and conducting tours of the new building on August 24 at 2:00 p.m.

About Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.