You Won't Believe What the Allina Health President Revealed About NUMC's Future—Find Out Now!

NEW ULM — On November 18, Lisa Shannon, the CEO of Allina Health, made a special visit to the New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) to express gratitude to the healthcare team for their dedication and exceptional performance. During her visit, she acknowledged NUMC's remarkable achievement of being recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital, placing the facility in the top 2% of all hospitals nationwide in this category for the year 2025. Such recognition underscores NUMC’s commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, especially vital in a time when many rural hospitals are facing significant challenges.

The team at NUMC, which includes a diverse group of professionals, demonstrated their collective effort in achieving this prestigious ranking. Pictured in the accompanying photo are the members of this dedicated team, showcasing their commitment to healthcare in the community. In the back row are Carisa Buegler, Whitney Johnson, Mary Shupe, Tash Meyer, Kim Johnson, Jodi Henningson, McKenzie Jabs, Dr. Bryana Andert, Anna Kate Bush, and Lisa Shannon herself. The middle row includes Sarah Schneider, Kari Pagel, Jan Ruhland, Shari Meyer, Vicky Beltz, Stacy Scheid, Kristin Sprenger, Alicia Forstner, Jennifer Brehmer, Marti Uhde, Cindy Schmitz, and Tracy Hoffman. Meanwhile, the front row features Michael Meinzer and Cindy Wiedl.

Being named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital reflects not just on the facilities but also on the commitment of healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, ensure safety, and maintain high standards of care. This award is particularly significant for rural healthcare facilities, which often grapple with limited resources and staffing challenges. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the ability of such institutions to deliver excellent care is paramount for community health.

The recognition by Allina Health is not merely a pat on the back; it represents a collective achievement that resonates deeply in the New Ulm community. Not only does it highlight the hospital's operational excellence, but it also serves as an assurance to patients that they are receiving care that meets or exceeds national standards.

In addition to celebrating achievements, NUMC’s recognition also emphasizes the ongoing challenges that critical access hospitals face. As rural healthcare providers, these hospitals often operate under financial constraints while striving to adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery in the United States. The commitment showcased by NUMC offers a beacon of hope and serves as a model for other rural healthcare facilities aiming for excellence.

Community members can take pride in the achievements of their local medical center, knowing that it stands among the best in the nation, committed to their health and well-being. As the healthcare landscape continues to change, NUMC remains dedicated to providing top-tier care, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the expectations of their patients.