Making Rounds

Hoke Hospital celebrates a decade of exceptional healthcare

Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital has a lot to celebrate. On top of turning 10 this March, the 41-bed hospital in Raeford was recently recognized nationally as a Top General Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, one of only 36 in the country. This honor was in addition to the Leapfrog A announced last year, which was the third consecutive time the hospital earned that honor.

The hospital is organizing a celebration in honor of its 10th birthday in mid-March. They are planning a community health fair, hospital tours, educational sessions, and opportunities to interact with health professionals from across the Cape Fear Valley Health system.

There were no hospitals in the county when Hoke Hospital was approved. At 180,000 square feet, it is currently the largest hospital in Hoke County. It includes operating rooms, inpatient beds, an emergency department, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology services, cardiopulmonary services, physical and occupational therapy, as well as other services that allow most patients to be treated on-site, rather than being transferred elsewhere.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers known as the toughest standard-setters for healthcare safety and quality. Top Hospitals were honored at December’s 2024 Leapfrog Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

“This recognition as a Leapfrog Top Hospital is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at Hoke Hospital,” said Hoke Healthcare President Sonja McLendon. “Every day, our physicians and caregivers are focused on providing the highest quality of care and ensuring the safety of our patients. Achieving this elite national distinction reflects our commitment to excellence and reinforces the trust our community places in us.”

Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital’s success is the result of several initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety, including:

• Advanced Infection Control Practices: Implementation of evidence-based protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

• Technology-Driven Safety Measures: Use of Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems to reduce medication errors.

• Staff Training Programs: Ongoing education and training focused on patient safety and hand hygiene compliance.

Hoke Hospital was also recognized last year as a High Performing Hospital for Pneumonia by U.S. News & World Report.

“Our team of caregivers is committed to the highest standards for quality and safety, and these recognitions are a result of that commitment,” said Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health.

Hoke Hospital has grown into a trusted healthcare destination for Hoke County and beyond, offering exceptional emergency care, advanced orthopedic surgery, and personalized primary care. With an average Emergency Department wait time of arrival to a room of just under 49 minutes, patients receive timely, compassionate care when they need it most. The hospital’s skilled orthopedic surgery team helps patients regain mobility and return to their daily lives with confidence, while dedicated primary care providers focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions to keep the community healthy.

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