Sarah Bush Lincoln awarded Magnet Recognition

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — A Central Illinois hospital is getting national recognition.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon has earned the Magnet Recognition designation. It’s the highest and most prestigious national honor for hospitals or health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff said the hospital has spent 8 years working towards Magnet status. In order to earn the recognition, appraisers visited the hospital over three days in June to talk with staff, leaders, board members and community stakeholders, as well as observing their inpatient and ambulatory departments.

“Attaining Magnet status underscores Sarah Bush Lincoln’s commitment to providing our patients compassionate and evidence-based nursing care every day,” SBL Vice President Patient Care Continuum Colleen Swick said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our skilled nursing professionals, who are at the forefront of innovation and the practice of nursing, and to our colleagues across the organization who support them.”

Less than 10% of the hospitals in the nation have the designation.

“This has been a team effort, showing collaboration across all disciplines to improve patient outcomes,” said Breana Johnson, the hospital’s director of nursing excellence. “Magnet not only enhances our organizational recruitment, but it also elevates patient care.”

Sarah Bush Lincoln is the 45th hospital in the state to be awarded Magnet recognition.

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