Mikayla Bruggeman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Sleepy Eye Medical Center (SEMC) has been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for Patient Perspective—an honor that places the organization among the very best rural hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction.
Selected from approximately 1,367 critical access hospitals nationwide, this recognition is widely regarded as one of the highest distinctions a rural hospital can receive for how it serves its patients and area community. The award is not applied for—hospitals are chosen based on performance—making the achievement all the more meaningful.
The designation, announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and based on data from the Chartis Center for Rural Health, reflects exceptional performance across all 10 HCAHPS patient experience domains. SEMC was first named to the Top 100 earlier this year before advancing to the Top 20 for Best Practice in Patient Satisfaction.
“This recognition speaks directly to who we are and how we care for people,” said Todd Consbruck, Administrator at SEMC. “Every day, our team shows up committed to treating patients with compassion, respect, and excellence. To be recognized at this level—among the top hospitals in the nation—is a direct reflection of our staff and the way they serve our patients and community.”
At SEMC, that commitment to patient-centered care is shared across the entire medical staff.
“We are very proud of the services and medical expertise we provide our community and area,” said Dr. John Pelzel, Medical Staff Director. “We strive every day to do what is best for our patients and their loved ones. This recognition is an honor for our entire staff, as it reflects our patients’ satisfaction with the quality care we are able to deliver.”
Top 20 hospitals are identified through a rigorous evaluation of performance across key areas, including quality, outcomes, patient experience, and financial strength. SEMC’s recognition specifically highlights its outstanding patient perspective scores—an indicator of how patients experience care, communication and overall service.
An awards ceremony honoring the nation’s top-performing critical access hospitals will be held at NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September 2026 in Kansas City, Miss.
For SEMC, the recognition is more than an award—it’s a reflection of a deep commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care close to home