MaineHealth Stephens Hospital Earns CMS Four-Star Quality Rating

NORWAY, ME - MaineHealth Stephens Hospital has earned a four-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), placing the hospital among the nation's higher-performing hospitals for quality, safety and patient care.

The CMS Star Rating system evaluates hospitals nationwide using a standardized set of quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, readmissions, mortality, patient experience and timely access to treatment. Hospitals receive an overall rating of one to five stars, allowing patients and families to compare performance across the country. A four-star rating indicates performance that is well above average compared to hospitals nationwide.

"This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment our care team members bring to their work every day," said MaineHealth Stephens Hospital President Jeff Noblin. "It highlights the strong performance we've achieved in patient safety, outcomes and overall experience of care, and it speaks to the culture of teamwork and accountability we continue to build together."

Nationally, approximately 70 percent of hospitals achieved a three-star rating or higher, making MaineHealth Stephens Hospital's four-star rating a significant accomplishment. Across MaineHealth, all hospitals met at least a three-star standard, and MaineHealth Stephens Hospital is one of three hospitals in the system to earn a four-star rating this year.

CMS updates its ratings periodically using publicly reported data, making the recognition an important benchmark of sustained performance over time. Hospital leaders say the rating reflects MaineHealth Stephens Hospital's ongoing focus on high reliability, evidence-based care and continuous improvement.

"Stephens' results reflect consistent, system-focused work," said Alison Newton, MSN, RN, Manager of Quality and Safety at MaineHealth Stephens Hospital. "Our teams use data to learn, apply evidence-based practices and create an environment where every team member is empowered to identify risk, speak up and contribute to safer care."

Newton said the achievement reflects contributions from staff across all departments, including providers, nurses, technicians, environmental services, support staff and administrative teams.

"Every role at Stephens contributes to this success," Newton said. "We are proud of what this rating represents, but we remain focused on continuing to improve for our patients and community every day."

All eight MaineHealth system hospitals met the criteria for a CMS Star Rating, with MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (Portland), MaineHealth Memorial Hospital (North Conway, NH) joining MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in earning four stars from CMS. The five other MaineHealth system hospitals earned three stars.

Patients can learn more about MaineHealth Stephens Hospital's quality performance and the CMS Star Rating system by visiting https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare.

About MaineHealth Stephens Hospital
MaineHealth Stephens Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Norway, Maine, serving western Maine communities with comprehensive health care services close to home. The hospital provides primary and specialty care, emergency services, surgical care, imaging, rehabilitation and other essential services to patients throughout the region.

MaineHealth Stephens Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, "Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America." As part of the MaineHealth family, Stephens Hospital patients have access to a comprehensive network of care that includes specialty services, advanced diagnostics and coordinated care throughout Maine and New Hampshire.