GCH Recognized with 2026 NRC Health® Excellence in Patient Experience Award
Guthrie County Hospital Recognized with 2026 NRC Health® Excellence in Patient Experience Award
GUTHRIE CENTER, Iowa — September 2, 2026 — Guthrie County Hospital has been recognized with the 2026 NRC Health® Excellence in Patient Experience Award, honoring the hospital’s commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and creating positive experiences for the individuals and families it serves.
Guthrie County Hospital was one of just three Critical Access Hospitals nationwide recognized in the Excellence in Patient Experience—Critical Access Hospital category. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in patient experience across the continuum of care.
Recipients in this category were selected from 198 eligible Critical Access Hospitals based on their combined Real-time Net Promoter Score (NPS) and HCAHPS score for the “Would Recommend Facility” question during the measurement period of April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make up Guthrie County Hospital & Clinics,” said Chris Stipe, Chief Executive Officer. “Every interaction matters, and our staff work hard each day to make sure our patients feel heard, respected and cared for. We are incredibly proud to have that commitment recognized at a national level.”
“When most people think about patient experience, they may think about whether a patient was happy or satisfied with the care they received. While that is certainly an important part of the patient experience, it is only one piece of a much larger picture.
Patient experience plays a vital role in healthcare. It can directly contribute to better health outcomes, improve treatment adherence, and enhance overall patient safety. At GCH, our staff does an exceptional job of focusing on the complete patient experience and providing compassionate, high-quality care that can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
What sets GCH apart is the way we welcome our patients. From the moment they walk through our doors, we want them to feel valued, respected, and cared for. Our staff greets patients with a genuine smile and treats each person as we would a family member or close friend.
That sense of warmth and personal connection is at the heart of what we do. At GCH, we believe excellent healthcare is about more than treating an illness or addressing a medical need—it is about caring for the whole person and making every patient feel like they are truly at home.
The NRC Health Excellence in Patient Experience Awards celebrate organizations that are leading the way in patient-centered care. Honorees are recognized for their dedication to creating experiences that put patients first while elevating the quality and overall experience of healthcare,” said Danielle Lauzon, Safety and Quality Coordinator.
"NRC Health's awards recognize organizations that consistently deliver experiences that earn trust, strengthen loyalty, and improve healthcare for the people they serve,” said Trent Green, Chief Executive Officer for NRC Health. “This recognition reflects a sustained commitment to listening, learning, and acting on what matters most to patients, consumers, families, and care teams. We are honored to celebrate organizations that turn insight into action and set a powerful example for healthcare organizations nationwide."
For Guthrie County Hospital, the award reinforces the organization's ongoing commitment to listening to patients and using their feedback to continually improve the care and services provided throughout the organization.
“We are grateful to our patients and families who take the time to share their experiences with us,” said Chris Stipe, Chief Executive Officer. “Their feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. Most importantly, this award belongs to our entire team, whose dedication and compassion make a difference for our patients every day.”
About Guthrie County Hospital
Guthrie County Hospital is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home. Through its hospital, clinics, and specialty services, GCH provides care across the continuum while focusing on the needs of the patients and communities it serves.
About NRC Health
For more than 45 years, NRC Health (NASDAQ: NRC) has led the charge to humanize healthcare and support organizations in their understanding of each unique individual. Ranked #1 Best in KLAS for Healthcare Experience Management in three of the last four years, NRC Health holds a commitment to Human Understanding that helps leading healthcare systems get to know each person they serve not as point-in-time insights, but in the context of an ongoing relationship. Guided by its uniquely empathic heritage, patient-focused approach, unmatched market research, and emphasis on consumer preferences, NRC Health is transforming the healthcare experience and creating strong outcomes for patients and entire healthcare systems.