Awards & Accolades
As we reflect on a year of excellence, we want to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Catawba Valley Health System and the recognition we’ve received for providing exceptional patient care, safety, and service. These awards are a testament to the dedication of our staff, providers, and volunteers who make patient-centered care the foundation of everything we do.
- Top 100 Hospital in America for Patient Experience by the Women’s Choice Awards, alongside additional recognitions for excellence in Bariatric Surgery, Emergency Care, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Obstetrics, Orthopedics, Patient Safety, Stroke Care, and Knee & Hip Replacement. These honors highlight our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient.
- Earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group—CVMC is the only hospital in the Unifour region to achieve this distinction. This grade reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting patients from preventable harm and ensuring the highest safety standards are met. This marks the 18th ‘A’ grade for safety that CVMC has received in Leapfrog’s last 19 reporting periods. Grades are updated in the fall and spring.
- Recognized in the “Best of Catawba” Awards by Hickory Daily Record readers, taking top honors in categories including Best Healthcare Organization, Best Hospital, Best Cardiology, Best Vascular Care, and 2nd place for Best Family Medicine. These awards reflect the trust and support of our community.
- The Catawba Valley Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics received the Center of Distinction Award from Healogics for outstanding clinical outcomes and a patient satisfaction rate above 92%, demonstrating our dedication to specialized, advanced care.
- Designated an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence by the Infectious Disease Society of America, one of only four hospitals in North Carolina to earn this recognition. This highlights our excellence in safe and effective use of antimicrobial medications to combat resistance and protect patients.
Technology & Innovation
As healthcare continues to evolve, Catawba Valley Health System remains committed to embracing innovation, leveraging technology, and creating opportunities for staff, students, and the community to learn and grow. This year, we’ve celebrated initiatives that promote safety, education, and excellence in care.
- Launched AwardCo, our new employee recognition platform, making it easier and more meaningful to celebrate the contributions of our team members. The red-carpet premiere event highlighted the incredible people who make CVHS a special place to work and receive care.
- Introduced the innovative infection prevention competition, DeCATHlon, engaging Med-Surg staff in fun, educational activities to prevent Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), ultimately improving patient safety.
- Partnered with law enforcement to provide Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) in every patrol car across Catawba County, along with “Stop the Bleed” training at our SimLab, giving officers the tools and skills to save lives in critical situations.
- Expanded hands-on training for future healthcare professionals through partnerships with Catawba Valley Community College, including clinical instruction for nursing students and paramedic training for emergency childbirth in ambulances. These programs bridge academic learning to real-world clinical experience.
- Engaged the community through educational events like SPARK at Catawba Science Center, introducing children and families to healthcare careers, CPR, and first aid skills through interactive STEM-based activities.
Growth & Expansion
As Catawba Valley Health System continues to grow, we’ve celebrated exciting expansions that enhance access to care, broaden specialty services, and strengthen our support of employees and the community. These milestones reflect our mission to provide high-quality care throughout the region.
- Expanded urgent care services through a partnership with Urgent Care of Mountain View, opening new locations in Sherrills Ford and the Belle Hollow shopping center in North Hickory. These facilities offer treatment for illnesses and injuries, as well as occupational medicine and workers’ compensation services.
- Welcomed Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley Health System to our medical group, enhancing access to comprehensive gastrointestinal care while maintaining the same staff and high-quality services at their Hickory location.
- Opened a new Occupational Health & Employee Health and Wellness Clinic, offering both preventive services and care for work-related injuries, as well as acute care and wellness services for our employees.
- Expanded Catawba Valley Foot & Ankle Center, providing a larger, purpose-built office to better serve patients with a wide range of foot and ankle needs.
- Promoted and added several leaders across Heart & Vascular and Imaging departments, reflecting our investment in talent, internal growth, and delivering exceptional patient-centered care.
- Staff and leadership gave back to the community through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity builds, volunteering at NC MedAssist and The Corner Table, and supporting local nonprofits, reinforcing our commitment to the region we serve.
- Welcomed 810 new employees across Catawba Valley Health System, including 32 new family and specialty care providers, strengthening our workforce and expanding access to high-quality care throughout the region.
