Wallowa Memorial Hospital earns prestigious 5-Star rating from the National Rural Rating System and named to National Rural Honor Roll
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, November 25th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ENTERPRISE – (Release from Wallowa Memorial Hospital) Wallowa Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural healthcare, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.
This esteemed designation is a testament to Wallowa Memorial’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.
“Being recognized with a 5-star rating and listed on the Honor Roll is a significant achievement, and a direct reflection of the efforts of our entire team and a testament to their resilience and dedication. We are honored to be a part of this community and to provide the premier care to our patients.” says hospital CEO, Dan Grigg.
The 5-star rating reflects Wallowa Memorial’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.
The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees, announced each November, include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by October 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.
“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural healthcare comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural healthcare as a source of strength, compassion, and healing—right where it’s needed most.”
Wallowa Memorial extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.
In 2007, the citizens of Wallowa County celebrated the opening of the newly constructed Wallowa Memorial Hospital, replacing one built in 1950. The 25-bed critical access hospital (CAH) is a Level IV trauma center and serves the residents of this remote, rural valley in northeast Oregon. With the building of the new hospital, health care in Wallowa County was brought into the 21st century and has become a model of rural health care.
The 5 Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work, and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors.
The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being. For more information visit RuralRatings.US.
