Horizon Health ER Among Top in the Nation

Horizon Health has been ranked among the top 4% of U.S. hospitals for emergency care, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in delivering an exceptional patient experience.

For the third year in a row, Horizon Health received the Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals for timely and effective emergency care – highlighting its low wait times, rapid diagnosis, and strong patient outcomes. Of the 235 hospitals in Illinois, Horizon Health was one of just 21 to receive the award.

“I’m proud of our teams for achieving top-tier performance and demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence,” said Rachel Kelley, Vice President of Nursing Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “As Horizon Health continues to grow, we remain focused on raising the bar through innovation, workforce development, and patient-centered care—ensuring we consistently deliver on our mission, vision, and values while providing exceptional care to the communities we serve.”

The 2026 Women’s Choice Award honors Horizon Health for its outstanding performance in several areas:

• Wait Times – Patients at Horizon Health averaged 109 minutes in the ER, compared to 158 minutes nationwide
• Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock – Staff delivered rapid, evidence-based care that reduces mortality, limits organ failure, and saves lives
• Patient Encounters – Only 1 percent of patients left the ER before being seen, below the national average of 2 percent

“I am proud to recognize the exceptional dedication, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment of our emergency department staff and providers,” said Samantha McCarty, Director of Emergency Services. “Their efforts have been instrumental in achieving this accomplishment, which reflects the high quality of care they deliver each day. This is one of many milestones as we continue to advance and elevate the care we provide.”

ER Milestones

Last fall, Horizon Health completed a two-year ER renovation project aimed at improving patient care, safety, and capacity. The work included technological upgrades and expanded staffing to better meet the growing healthcare needs of the communities it serves.

In addition to the 2026 Women’s Choice Award, the ER continues to receive national recognition:

• Ranking in the top 10th percentile nationwide for stroke and sepsis care
• Maintaining wait times well below the national average
• Achieving patient experience scores that exceed national benchmarks
• Becoming one of only 158 hospitals nationwide to earn the American Heart Association’s 2025 Commitment to Quality Award for cardiovascular and stroke care
• Receiving the 2024 & 2025 Women’s Choice Award for Best Emergency Care

The ER also continues to pursue recognition as a specialized pediatric care provider, further establishing itself as a leader in caring for sick children and advancing pediatric readiness.

The Women’s Choice Award identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that include relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and appropriate accreditations. The award signifies exceptional ratings and reflects a strong commitment to providing the highest level of care and patient well-being.