Four Aspirus Hospitals Recognized Nationally for Lowest C. diff Infection Rates

WAUSAU, Wis. - Four Aspirus Health hospitals have been nationally recognized for achieving the lowest possible rate-zero-for healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, according to the latest healthcare-associated infection dataset released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Aspirus hospitals recognized include:
• Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital
• Aspirus Langlade Hospital
• Aspirus Medford Hospital
• Howard Young Medical Center

This recognition reflects data collected from September 2024 through June 2025, using measures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reported through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The CDC calculates a Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) that accounts for factors such as patient age, hospital size, care location, existing infections, and laboratory methods. These measures apply to all acute-care patients, including adult, pediatric, neonatal, Medicare, and non-Medicare populations.

C. diff is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and life-threatening inflammation of the colon. It is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the United States. Patients are at increased risk when taking antibiotics, during extended hospital stays, or when they have weakened immune systems. Preventing C. diff requires rigorous attention to hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, and early detection-areas where Aspirus hospitals have demonstrated exceptional performance.

"Sustaining zero healthcare-associated C. diff infections requires constant vigilance and a shared commitment to doing what's right for our patients every single day," said Brittany Chariton, RN, Infection Prevention Coordinator, Aspirus Northwest Division. "Our teams take pride in following evidence-based practices, supporting one another, and holding ourselves to the highest standards. This recognition reflects the dedication of every caregiver who plays a role in keeping our patients safe."

"This recognition is a testament to the culture of safety and accountability that exists throughout our organization," said Jenna Self, Infection Prevention Coordinator, Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital. "Preventing infections requires diligence from every department, every shift, and every caregiver. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when we work together with a common goal: providing the safest care possible for our patients and making excellence the standard."

"Achieving a zero C. diff rate is not accidental. It requires vigilance, education, and a culture where safety is non-negotiable," added Suzy Ocker, Infection Prevention Coordinator, Howard Young Medical Center. "Our teams consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every patient receives the safest care possible."

"These results reflect the power of a proactive approach to patient safety," said Jen Matuszewski, Infection Preventionist-Quality Improvement Coordinator, Aspirus Langlade Hospital. "By carefully monitoring performance, implementing evidence-based practices, and continuously looking for opportunities to improve, our teams have created an environment where infection prevention is everyone's responsibility.

Seventy-three more hospitals nationwide achieved a zero C. diff rate compared to the previous year's Becker's list, reflecting a growing national emphasis on infection prevention excellence. Only 17 hospitals in Wisconsin, and 536 hospitals across the United States, reached this benchmark during the reporting period.

Aspirus Health continues to invest in evidence-based infection prevention strategies, including enhanced environmental disinfection, staff training, and robust monitoring practices. The recognition of four hospitals within the system underscores Aspirus' commitment to delivering high-quality, safe care across all communities it serves.