Local N ews
Labette Health has been recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care by the Women’s Choice Award, placing it among the top-performing hospitals nationwide. This designation signifies that Labette Health ranks in the top 4% of over 4,600 U.S. hospitals offering emergency care services.
“Labette Health’s Emergency Department is honored to receive the 2026 Women’s Choice Award for the care of women in our communities,” said Chelsea Smith, RN, Emergency Department Director.
See AWARD, Page 8.
“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency care and our dedication to serving the women and families who trust us every day.”
Each year, more than 130 million emergency room visits occur in the U.S., making emergency departments a vital part of the healthcare system. Unlike other hospital departments, ER teams often interact with patients during moments of high stress, fear, and urgency—especially for women caring for children, elderly parents, or themselves.
“Emergency departments can be incredibly stressful, particularly for a mother with a sick child or an older adult facing a medical crisis,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “Women influence 94% of all healthcare decisions, and they want to know which hospitals will provide fast, effective, and compassionate emergency care. Our award gives them that confidence.”
The Women’s Choice Award for Emergency Care is the only national designation that combines clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and women’s healthcare preferences to identify top-performing hospitals.
Key criteria include: time spent in the emergency department, percentage of patients who left without being seen, timeliness of brain scan results for patients presenting with stroke symptoms (within 45 minutes), performance in treating severe sepsis, a life-threatening condition, and trauma center level designation.
Hospitals must rank in the top 25th to 50th percentile nationally for these measures to qualify.
“Long wait times and overcrowding can negatively impact outcomes, including increased mortality and patients leaving without treatment,” added Passi. “Hospitals like Labette Health not only perform well clinically, but also earn high recommendation ratings—something women value deeply when making healthcare decisions.”
Labette Health is one of 459 hospitals nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition for 2026.
“Being recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care by the Women’s Choice Award is a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Shawn Southwick, Emergency Department Medical Director. “This award belongs to our entire emergency department team whose compassion, professionalism, and commitment to our patients define the care we provide. We are proud to serve our communities and grateful for the trust our patients place in us.”
For the full list of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care, visit: https:// womenschoiceaward.com/best-emergency- care.
