Quality Care Close to Home Recognized Nationally

At Virginia Gay Hospital, our commitment to exceptional care is measured not just in the services we provide, but in the outcomes and experiences of the patients and families we serve.

We are honored to be recognized by leading national organizations for our dedication to quality, patient experience and rural healthcare excellence.

These awards reflect the hard work and heart of every provider, nurse and staff member who shows up each day to serve our community. We are proud to share these achievements with the people of Benton County and the surrounding region.

Quality Care Close to Home Recognized Nationally

At Virginia Gay Hospital, our commitment to exceptional care is measured not just in the services we provide, but in the outcomes and experiences of the patients and families we serve.

We are honored to be recognized by leading national organizations for our dedication to quality, patient experience and rural healthcare excellence.

These awards reflect the hard work and heart of every provider, nurse and staff member who shows up each day to serve our community. We are proud to share these achievements with the people of Benton County and the surrounding region.

2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

Awarded by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

What is the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®?

Now in its 16th year, the INDEX evaluates rural hospitals nationwide using publicly available data across multiple areas, including quality of care, patient experience, operational performance and financial health. It is used by hospitals, health systems and state health organizations across the country to benchmark and monitor performance.

Being named to the Top 100 means Virginia Gay Hospital has demonstrated outstanding performance across all of these categories, a distinction earned by only the top Critical Access Hospitals in the country.

2026 Top 20 Critical Access Hospital

Awarded by the National Rural Health Association Best Practice in Quality

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our providers, nurses and staff who deliver high-quality, compassionate care every day. As a rural hospital, we are proud to combine personal, hometown care with innovative services that ensure our community has access to excellent healthcare close to home.”

— Tina Eden, CEO, Virginia Gay Hospital

Virginia Gay Hospital has also been honored as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for Best Practice in Quality by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This distinction places VGH among the very best rural hospitals in the United States for quality of care.

The NRHA Top 20 recognition highlights hospitals that not only meet high performance standards, but also serve as national models for how rural healthcare should be delivered. Being recognized specifically for Best Practice in Quality underscores VGH’s commitment to safe, effective and patient-centered care.

PRC 5-Star Excellence in Healthcare Award

Emergency Department Services & Outpatient Services Overall Quality of Care

Virginia Gay Hospital has been recognized as a 5-Star facility in both Emergency Department Services and Outpatient Services for Overall Quality of Care by PRC, a national leader in healthcare performance intelligence. The PRC Excellence in Healthcare Awards are based on real patient experience surveys and recognize organizations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to exceptional care throughout the year.

What does a PRC 5-Star rating mean for patients?

PRC surveys patients directly about their care experiences. A 5-Star rating means Virginia Gay Hospital consistently delivers a high-quality experience, from the moment patients arrive in our Emergency Department or Outpatient Services through the care they receive throughout their visit. It is a direct reflection of how our patients feel about the care they receive.

“It is an honor to recognize Virginia Gay Hospital with these Excellence in Healthcare Awards for their deserving work. It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare and Virginia Gay Hospital has shown their commitment to making their hospital a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine and a better place for patients to be treated.”

— Joe M. Inguanzo, President and CEO, PRC

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and their commitment to providing exceptional care close to home. For generations, Virginia Gay Hospital has been proud to serve the residents of Benton County and surrounding communities. Receiving this award reinforces the trust our patients place in us every day and our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.”

— Tina Eden, CEO, Virginia Gay Hospital

About Virginia Gay Hospital

Founded in 1925, Virginia Gay Hospital is a nonprofit Critical Access Hospital located in Vinton, Iowa. For more than 100 years, VGH has served the health and well-being of Benton County and the surrounding communities, providing a full range of healthcare services including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, specialty clinics and rehabilitation therapies.

Virginia Gay Hospital remains deeply committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care close to home, and these national recognitions affirm that commitment every day.

Experience the Difference

We are proud to serve our community with award-winning care. Learn more about our services or contact us today.

Get In Touch
Virginia Gay Hospital

504 N 9th Ave
Vinton, IA 52349

Phone (319) 472-6300
Fax (319) 472-6222