December 16, 2025 — UNC Health Lenoir has been recognized as a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization known for setting the highest standards for patient safety, quality, and transparency in the United States. This prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance across a range of safety and quality measures.
The Top Rural Hospital Award is one of the most competitive distinctions a hospital can receive, with criteria that include strong performance on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, evidence-based practices, reduced infection rates, and excellence in medication safety and surgical care.
“We are extremely proud to be named a Top Rural Hospital,” said Crystal Hayden, President and CEO of UNC Health Lenoir. “This recognition is a testament to the diligence of our entire team, who remain consistent in their commitment to delivering exceptional care without exception to every patient we serve. Our community deserves safe, reliable health care close to home, and this award underscores the hard work and dedication that makes that possible.”
Only a small number of rural hospitals nationwide achieve Top Hospital status each year. UNC Health Lenoir is the only hospital in North Carolina to receive this honor. The selection highlights the organization’s continued focus on advancing patient safety, implementing high-reliability practices, and fostering a culture in which safety is the highest priority.
“We are honored to spotlight UNC Health Lenoir with this award,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Their performance on our nationally rigorous standards demonstrates a strong commitment to patient well-being and high-quality care.”
UNC Health Lenoir continues to invest in technology, training, and process improvements that support safer care and improved patient outcomes. The leadership team credits the hospital’s physicians, nurses, clinical staff, and support teams for consistently raising the bar and striving for excellence.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering patients to make informed choices.
About UNC Health Lenoir
UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit hospital serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has an 118-year history of providing excellent care to the community. In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Lenoir offers specialized services including interventional cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, radiology, and urology. Surgical specialties include general surgery, robotic surgery, orthopedic, and bariatrics. UNC Health Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. For more information or to find a physician, visit unclenoir.org.
