South Peninsula Hospital’s long-term care unit has been recognized as a 2025 “Silver Achievement in Quality Award” recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. According to a July 14 press release, the award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long-term care.

Katie Martin, director of nursing and licensed nursing home administrator of South Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care, said that earning the award is an incredible honor for the team.

“This accomplishment reflects our commitment to continuously improving the quality of care and services we provide to our residents each day,” Martin said. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain dedicated to continuing our efforts toward providing high-quality care to our elders and others in need of long-term care.”

The National Quality Award Program has three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At the Silver level, recipients have met the criteria for the Bronze award and can now move on to the final and most prestigious level of the program, the Gold — Excellence in Quality Award. According to the press release, trained examiners review each application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria.

SPH LTC earned the bronze level in 2024, and has continued with significant improvements in several key areas, particularly in workforce development and quality of care. These advancements have led to better resident outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits, decreased use of antipsychotic medications, fewer depressive symptoms among residents, and lower staff turnover rates.

Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award board chair, said that earning the silver award is “no small feat,” and noted that South Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care has demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality improvement.

“This recognition is a clear reflection of their hard work and unwavering focus on delivering superior care and service to residents and staff,” wrote Bergland.

The National Quality Awards will be presented during the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, Oct. 19-22 in Las Vegas. More information on SPH long-term care can be found at www.sphosp.org/services/long-term-care/.