Newport Hospital and Health Services has earned silver-level recognition from the Washington State Hospital Association for its commitment to quality care and patient safety, the organization announced following this year’s Rural Hospital Leadership Conference.
The hospital received the distinction as part of the WSHA’s 2026 Critical Access Hospital Achievement of Excellence program, which honors rural healthcare providers across Washington for measurable improvements in clinical performance and operational standards. The award was presented during the conference held June 28 through July 1 in Chelan.
Quality Metrics Drive Recognition
The honor reflects Newport Hospital’s participation in Washington’s 2025 Medicaid Quality Incentive Program, under which participating hospitals submit detailed performance data on critical measures including sepsis management protocols, workplace safety practices, diagnostic accuracy, and initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities across their service areas.
The WSHA recognizes eligible rural hospitals annually based on their demonstrated commitment to measuring, tracking, and improving quality outcomes. Silver-level status places Newport Hospital among a select group of rural healthcare facilities meeting elevated performance benchmarks in the state.
Kim Manus, the hospital’s chief executive officer, said the award reflects the organization’s commitment to its patients and community. “This recognition reflects the dedication of every member of our team to providing safe, high-quality care for our patients and community,” Manus stated.
Serving Pend Oreille County Since 1921
Newport Hospital and Health Services, established in 1921, is owned and operated by the Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District. The facility employs 37 healthcare providers and delivers a broad range of services including primary care, express care, behavioral health services, obstetrics, and emergency medicine.
The hospital serves as a critical access facility for residents across Pend Oreille County and surrounding communities in the North Idaho region, where access to specialized healthcare can be limited due to geographic distance from larger urban medical centers.
What Comes Next
The award positions Newport Hospital to continue its quality improvement initiatives and strengthens its standing within Washington’s rural healthcare network. The hospital’s participation in state-level quality programs underscores the importance of standardized metrics in rural healthcare delivery, where resource constraints often require providers to prioritize efficiency alongside patient outcomes.