NEWTON, Kan., (June 3, 2026) – NMC Health has earned a spot on a new list of the safest hospitals in the country. Announced by Becker’s Hospital Review, NMC Health has the lowest possible rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, known as CAUTIs.
The list is based on recent federal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It highlights an elite group of hospitals across the country that achieved a perfect CAUTI infection rate of zero.
“Patient safety is the most important thing we do,” said Val Gleason, CEO of NMC Health. “Achieving a zero-infection rate does not happen by accident. It requires our physician, nursing and clinical teams to follow strict safety rules every single day. This honor proves our commitment to protecting those who trust us with their care.”
Why a Zero Rate Matters
CAUTIs account for about one-third of infections received in a hospital setting. When needed, a small, soft tube helps to drain a patient’s bladder into a bag. If germs get into this urinary catheter, it can make a person very sick. Still, using a tube helps patients in many ways.
• During Surgery: When a patient is asleep for surgery, drugs relax their muscles. They cannot get up to use the bathroom. The tube keeps the bladder empty while doctors work.
• Urination Issues: Sometimes a health problem blocks the path of urine. If urine stays inside, it hurts the kidneys. A catheter gives urine a clear way out.
• Rest and Recovery: If someone is very sick, moving to use the bathroom can be unsafe. The tube lets them stay still so their body can focus on healing.
Thwarting these infections takes great care. Nurses must use clean and flawless techniques. They must also remove the tubes as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Our neighbors deserve a clean, safe place to heal,” said Heather Porter, NMC Health Chief Clinical Officer. “This national recognition gives local families peace of mind. It proves that NMC Health meets the highest standards for keeping them safe from preventable harm.”
By keeping infections at zero, NMC Health helps patients heal faster and go home sooner.
NMC Health Safety Highlights
• National Award: Named to Becker’s Low Infection Rates list.
• The Score: Achieved a perfect CAUTI score of zero.
• What it Measures: Success in blocking infections during hospital stays.
• Location: Newton, Kansas, providing top-rated medical care in Harvey County.
To view the full federal safety dataset, visit https://data/cms.gov.
Why a Zero CAUTI Rate Matters to Your Health
When you or a loved one goes to the hospital, you want to focus on getting better. You should not have to worry about catching a new illness. That is why tracking hospital infection rates is so important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital Infection Rates
A CAUTI stands for a catheter-associated urinary tract infection. It is a type of infection that can happen in a hospital when a medical tube is used. If bacteria enter the body through the tube, it can cause a painful infection.
A low or zero infection rate means a hospital is incredibly clean and safe. For patients, a zero rate means:
- Fewer Complications: You face less risk of getting sicker during your stay.
- Faster Healing: Your body can focus on recovering from your main health issue.
- Shorter Stays: You can return home to your family sooner without unexpected delays.
Our doctors and nurses follow strict safety steps. We train our staff on the best ways to place medical tubes cleanly. We also check on patients constantly to remove tubes the moment they are no longer needed. This careful work keeps our patients safe.
NMC Health is recognized as a leader in patient safety in Newton, Kansas, and the Harvey County region. Our perfect zero infection rate and national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review show that we provide some of the safest care in the area.