Photo of staff members taken when Sidney Health Center received a certificate of achievement from the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative. (Photo submitted)
As 2024 draws to a close, Sidney Health Center reflects on a year marked by significant achievements, expanded services, and continued dedication to providing exceptional healthcare. Throughout the year, our mission to help the community achieve its highest level of well-being has been at the forefront of our efforts. Here's a look back at the milestones and accomplishments that defined the past year.
National Recognition
for Excellence
Sidney Health Center has been honored with several prestigious national awards in 2024, underscoring our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care:
June: Sidney Health Center was recognized by the Lown Institute as the top hospital in America for social responsibility among 800 critical access hospitals nationwide. We ranked #1 in Montana and across the U.S., with only 40 hospitals earning Honor Roll status. This recognition reflects our dedication to delivering equitable, high-quality care while prioritizing community well-being.
August: We proudly announced our designation as a 5-star hospital on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Care Compare website. This rating highlights the exceptional quality of care provided by our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and support staff across various departments, including emergency services, pharmacy, social services, and rehabilitation.
September: Sidney Health Center earned a certificate of achievement from the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative. This award recognizes our commitment to improving patient care through evidence-based guidelines, enabling better recovery outcomes for stroke patients. Our Emergency Department, Imaging Services, and Patient Experience teams played a crucial role in earning this distinction.
December: Newsweek and Statista named Sidney Health Center one of America's Best-in-State Hospitals for 2025. This prestigious honor is based on quality metrics from CMS, patient experience surveys, and nationwide evaluations from healthcare professionals. We are proud of our entire healthcare team for their unwavering dedication to compassionate, high-quality care.
Expanding Access
to Care
Sidney Health Center introduced several new services in 2024 to better serve the community:
TeleUrology Services: In partnership with VirtuCare, a leading urologic care provider, we expanded access to specialized urological services through telemedicine. Family Nurse Practitioner Chloe Senn offers onsite appointments twice a week, working closely with board-certified urologists based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): In January, we launched HBOT services under the direction of Dr. Ralf Kiehl within our Cancer Care Suite. This non-invasive treatment uses pressurized oxygen to promote wound healing and manage various medical conditions. In November, the department added a second HBOT machine with funds from a Murdock Charitable Trust Grant.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: In January, we welcomed Dr. Lacey Steinbeisser, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) specializing in pelvic health, to our Rehabilitation Therapy team. Pelvic health physical therapy focuses on addressing concerns related to the lower back, pelvis, and hips, especially issues involving the pelvic floor.
Speech Therapy Services: In August, Nancy Bassett, a highly experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP), joined our team. Nancy offers specialized treatment for speech and language disorders, helping patients of all ages enhance their communication and oral motor capabilities.
Growing Our
Medical Team
Our medical team now includes 45 providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, supported by certified nurse anesthetists, technologists, therapists, and nurses. This team collaborates to offer a wide range of specialized services rarely found in rural communities.
New Providers: This year, we welcomed Amie Schillinger, PA-C, to our orthopedic care team, enhancing access to specialized services, including outreach clinics in Plentywood. Chloe Senn, Family Nurse Practitioner, also joined our team, providing both urology and primary care services.
Dr. Aaron Franke: In October, Dr. Aaron Franke transitioned from a locum physician to a permanent member of our medical staff. He is triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology. Dr. Franke works alongside Dr. Ralf Kiehl, Dr. Berna DeMalignon, and the Cancer Care team, bringing expertise in oncology and a compassionate approach to patient care.
A Look Ahead
As we celebrate these achievements, we remain committed to advancing healthcare in the MonDak region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patients, staff, and community for their continued trust and support. Together, we look forward to another year of providing compassionate, high-quality care that makes a lasting impact.
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