Sioux Center, IA – June 10, 2024 – Sioux Center Health has been named one of the Best Hospitals for
Emergency Timeliness by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in
healthcare. The award signifies that Sioux Center Health is in the top 2% of 4,642 U.S. hospitals
offering emergency care services.
Emergency departments are an essential part of the healthcare system as they provide fast, life-or-
limb-saving care to millions each year. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same
patient and families for an extended period, ER staff typically has one patient encounter, often when
anxiety and fear is at its peak, making time of the essence.
“Emergency departments can be very stressful environments, particularly for the elderly or a mother
with a sick or injured child,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “When
an emergency strikes, time becomes more precious than gold. The ER is a symphony of urgency, where
every second counts and quick decisions can mean the difference between life and death. In this high-
stakes environment, ‘Less is More’ isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a crucial strategy for saving lives and
improving outcomes. That’s why we are recognizing those hospitals that have the shortest ER wait
times and high recommendation scores for their exceptional commitment for timely care, when it
matters most.”
The methodology for Best Hospitals for Emergency Timeliness award is unique in that it combines
Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey
recommendation results with process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the
emergency department, including:
● Total Time Spent in the Emergency Department
● Percent of Emergency Patients Who Left Without Being Seen
The award is especially significant given that long waits and high crowding can negatively impact
patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length
of hospital stay, and an increase in mortality rates.
Sioux Center Health not only has some of the shortest ER wait times, but it also has a higher-than-
average recommendation rating, which is very important to women when it comes to health-related
decisions” says Passi.
Sioux Center Health is one of 606 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the
highest standards for emergency timeliness in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.
“Receiving this award is an honor and a testament to Sioux Center Health’s commitment to our
patients and communities,” says Sioux Center Health CEO, Cory Nelson. “As a critical access hospital,
Sioux Center Health provides essential services to rural communities that would otherwise need to
travel out of the area to receive care. Knowing our Emergency Department has some of the shortest
wait times in the country has a significant impact on our healthcare workers, patients, communities,
and critical access hospitals everywhere.”
