Healthgrades evaluates hospitals based on performance across 13 indicators of patient safety events, including infections, complications, and other potentially preventable conditions. Hospitals that receive the Patient Safety Excellence Award are those with the lowest occurrence rates, placing them in the top 10% nationwide for patient safety.

“This recognition reflects the vigilance and desire of our providers, nurses, and care teams to continuously review processes to ensure the safest possible environment for our patients,” said Ghassan Jamaleddine, MD, medical officer for Adventist Health in Central California. “We are honored to be among the hospitals to earn this distinction and remain committed to improving the quality and safety of care we provide our communities.”

Patients treated at hospitals receiving this award are statistically less likely to experience common safety events such as infections, falls or surgical complications, reinforcing the importance of choosing high-performing hospitals for care.

Adventist Health Hanford has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award for three consecutive years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

For the fourth year in a row, Adventist Health Hanford has also earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, which is an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

For more information about Adventist Health Hanford and its services, visit this link.

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Schengel is currently the Dean of Career Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Development, Industry and Technology, Manufacturing, Nursing and Allied Health at College of the Sequoias (COS). Selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates, she brings extensive expertise in healthcare education and workforce development to the board.

A Visalia resident since 1991, Schengel has deep roots in the local healthcare community. She worked as a physical therapist and founded Central California Physical Therapy Specialists before selling the practice in 2011. At COS, she developed the physical therapist assistant program and significantly expanded the nursing program, further demonstrating her commitment to building the regional healthcare workforce.

“I understand how important Kaweah Health is to the vitality of the Central Valley, not just for the employees who work here, but also for the patients,” Schengel said. “Ultimately, I want Kaweah Health to be the premier provider of healthcare in the Central Valley.”

With her strong background in health sciences and educational leadership, Schengel looks forward to contributing her experience, perspective, and commitment to supporting the mission and future of Kaweah Health.

Kaweah Health is the community name for the Kaweah Delta Health Care District, a public hospital district serving the greater Visalia area. The district covers 183 square miles, encompassing all of Visalia and Goshen and parts of Ivanhoe and Farmersville. The district is divided into five equally populated zones, each represented on the board by a locally elected member. Board members serve four-year terms and may run for re-election without limit.

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Out of more than 900 hospitals surveyed, Kaweah Health placed among the top hospitals providing exceptional maternity care. The U.S. News evaluation assessed critical measures including C-section rates, newborn complication rates, breastfeeding support, and adherence to birthing-friendly practices.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our maternal care teams to surround new mothers with compassionate, expert care as we welcome more than 4,000 babies each year,” said Rhonda Quinones, Kaweah Health Director of Maternal Child Health. “We are proud to be recognized for providing mothers with the attentive, supportive care they deserve during this profound life experience.”

The ranking highlights Kaweah Health’s performance across key healthcare metrics, including

• Low rates of unexpected severe newborn complications
• Optimal C-section delivery rates
• High exclusive breast milk feeding rates
• Commitment to birthing-friendly practices
• Transparency in addressing healthcare disparities

U.S. News & World Report’s comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights for expectant parents seeking top-quality maternity care.

About Kaweah Health

Kaweah Health, a publicly owned healthcare organization established in 1961, is the largest hospital in Tulare County, with services including a level III trauma center, rural health clinics, urgent care centers, a rehabilitation hospital, cancer center, long-term care facilities, and other specialty services. With more than 5,200 employees and a medical staff of about 670 professionals, Kaweah Health’s mission is to provide excellent and compassionate healthcare to the community, with a vision to be a world-class healthcare choice for life. For more information, visit KaweahHealth.org or follow Kaweah Health on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

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Located near Visalia’s Oval Park, the CSU will provide crisis intervention services for children, 17 and under, and transitional age youth, 18 to 21, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. It is a 12-chair unit with two sides, one side for children and the other for transitional age youth. Services will include crisis evaluation, intervention, and stabilization, as well as psychiatric services and discharge care. It will serve patients referred by and admitted directly from Kaweah Health Emergency Department, as well as direct referrals from other agencies and walk-ins.

“Mental health is a major issue in Tulare County and children are among the most impacted portions of our population,” said Marc Mertz, Kaweah Health’s Chief Strategy Officer. “These children are typically seen in local emergency departments or must leave the community to seek mental health services. Far too many of them go untreated. This new facility will ensure that our children can get the mental health support they need where they need it. By intervening and treating mental health issues earlier, we hope to avoid future issues or hospitalization and help kids live happier and healthier lives.”

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Branch (TCBH), provides intensive specialty mental health services for serious mental illnesses as well as substance use disorder services for Tulare County residents with Medi-Cal. TCBH, along with contracted providers, offers services throughout Tulare County and strives to ensure timely access to services for those in need.  The CSU will address the need for acute psychiatric crisis treatment for youth in our community, with the goal of decreasing inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and subsequent placement outside of Tulare County.

“This new Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit will provide immediate, short-term mental health support for children and adolescents in a less restrictive environment, such as an emergency room or hospital,” said Dr. Natalie Bolin, Tulare County Behavioral Health Branch Director. “The goal is to stabilize youth in crisis, prevent more restrictive care, and connect them with community resources and family support to promote long-term well-being and overall stability. These 24/7 facilities offer a safe, healing-centered space with psychiatry, therapeutic activities, and trained staff to address issues like suicidal thoughts or severe stressors, allowing youth to remain connected to their community and de-escalate situations before they become unmanageable emergencies.”

Kaweah Health is staffing this new venture thanks in part to its Graduate Medical Education Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program.  The fellowship’s mission is to train child and adolescent psychiatrists who will positively impact the health of youth and their families in the Central Valley.  The training program strives to address mental health disparities and to reduce inequities in health care and serves a diverse patient population.

“The Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit expands our ability to respond to children and families in their most vulnerable moments with clinical excellence, compassion, and integrity. Every aspect of care here is guided by what is right for the child and family, and is rooted in evidence-based practice and ethical treatment,” said Dr. Cory D. Jaques, CSU medical director. “This unit not only brings much-needed resources to our community but also helps train the next generation of child and adolescent psychiatrists. We have a team of providers who share a passion for caring for children and who are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves timely access to expert mental health care close to home. Together, we are shaping a model of care that our children, and our community, can be proud of.”

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Those at higher risk of developing TB include:

• Close contacts of individuals with active TB
• People who have lived or traveled in countries with high TB rates. Consider all countries outside of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and those in Western and Northern Europe to have “elevated” TB rates
• Individuals with weakened immune systems (for example, HIV, diabetes, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive therapy)
• Pregnant individuals
• Infants and young children
• Older adults (especially those in long-term care facilities)
• People experiencing homelessness or substance use
• Individuals living or working in congregate settings (for example, shelters, correctional facilities, healthcare settings)
• Those with a history of untreated or latent TB infection

About Tuberculosis

TB is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person to person through inhalation of the bacteria from the air. The bacteria are spread when someone with TB coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. People with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB should get tested.

“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss,” shares Dr. Asma Tariq, Tulare County Public Health Officer.

“Most people who become infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away. This is called latent TB infection. Some who become infected with tuberculosis will become ill in the future, sometimes even years later, if their latent TB infection is not treated. For people who think they may have been exposed, blood tests and skin tests are an effective way to determine an infection.”

Fortunately, TB is treatable. However, early screening and detection are vital for protecting health and preventing the spread of disease. It is especially important for anyone who has been exposed to active TB, has risk factors, or is experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider for screening and treatment options.

For additional information on TB, visit the California Department of Public Health at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/TBCB.aspx or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html.

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“We understand that being in the hospital can be stressful for patients, and having their support system at their bedside helps them feel more comfortable and supported during their care,” said Marc Mertz, Kaweah Health Chief Strategy Officer.

Overnight visitors must be at least 18 years old. They must check back in at the main entrance to receive an overnight visitor badge before doors lock at 9 p.m. There will be no re-entry after 9 p.m.

Other changes to the visitor policy include allowing children to visit patients, as long as those ages 15 and under are accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

Kaweah Health will also allow up to four visitors in the Emergency Department waiting room, however, only two visitors may accompany the patient into treatment rooms. When hallway beds or chairs are utilized, only one visitor may remain with the patient. Children aged 12 and under may have two visitors with them at all times. The number of allowed Emergency Department visitors will fluctuate based on saturation levels and ED census.

As always, Kaweah Health staff have the right to remove any visitor deemed disruptive to patient care or unit operations.

“These new guidelines were written with the well-being of our patients and staff in mind,” Mertz said. “We recognize that working with family members can enhance the care and support our patients receive when they return home. There are also instances when having a family member at the bedside can be an asset to healthcare providers.”

About Kaweah Health

Kaweah Health is a publicly-owned community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia region and Tulare County. With more than 5,000 employees and 700 medical staff, Kaweah Health is committed to meeting the community’s health needs through state-of-the-art medicine, high-quality preventive services, and specialized health centers and clinics. For more information, visit KaweahHealth.org or follow Kaweah Health on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

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The award was presented to Northcraft during ACHD’s 73rd Annual Meeting, which took place in September in San Diego.

Northcraft, first elected to the Board in 2016, assumed this leadership role during one of Tulare’s darkest hours. As the new President of the Board, Northcraft made a clear stand against the rampant mismanagement that had led to the hospital’s closure in 2017 and the District’s consequent filing for bankruptcy. Through his constant advocacy and steady determination, he helped lead the charge to recall board members, terminate a destructive management contract, and ultimately reopen the hospital within a year.

As Board President since 2017, Kevin has guided the District through:

• Reopening of the hospital with Adventist Health as a trusted partner.
• Resolution of the Distict’s Chapter 9 bankruptcy in 2025, which received praise by the presiding judge.
• Refinancing of the District’s bond obligations to more favorable terms, saving the taxpaying public over $54 Million.
• Civil and criminal actions filed by the District and the DA, respectively,to hold past wrongdoers accountable.
• Renewing the District’s focus on completing the long-delayed hospital tower project.

In his acceptance remarks, Northcraft reminded attendees that the recognition belongs to more than one person. “None of us does this alone,” he said. “The progress we’ve made in Tulare has been the work of many—our board, our staff, our partners, and most importantly, our community.”

“Kevin is the definition of servant leadership,” said Randy Dodd, FACHE, CEO of Tulare Local Healthcare District. “His honesty, persistence, and commitment to this community have carried Tulare through its toughest challenges into a new era of trust and stability.”

Northcraft, who also served as Tulare City Manager from 1995 to 2005 and was named Tulare’s Man of the Year in 2019, continues to lead with a focus on restoring pride in local healthcare and completing construction of the hospital tower.

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“That means 2,500 patients have received less-invasive surgery, allowing for quicker recoveries at the skilled hands of our physicians,” said Jag Batth, Kaweah Health Chief Operating Officer. “This is a testament to Kaweah Health’s substantial investment in innovative robotic technology.”

Dr. Ford is one of more than a dozen specially trained surgeons across several disciplines who utilize the da Vinci system at Kaweah Health.

With da Vinci, small incisions are used to introduce special instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. Seated comfortably at the da Vinci console, surgeons view a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the surgical site while guiding the instruments through precise micro-movements.

Although used for several types of surgery, the da Vinci’s minimally invasive approach is ideal for delicate urologic surgery. This includes prostatectomy, where the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function.

With robotic surgery, patients benefit from smaller incisions, faster recoveries, and maximum precision.

“Volume-wise, Kaweah Health is doing more robotic surgeries than any hospital in the area,” Dr. Ford said. “With the higher volume, Kaweah Health has more experienced surgeons and surgical teams, increasing access for patients.”

Kaweah Health first brought robotic surgery to the community in 2010, when its first da Vinci robot was purchased. As more surgeons have become trained on the technology, about 400 robotic surgeries have been performed annually in the last few years. Besides urologic surgeries, the da Vinci is used for colorectal, gynecological, and general surgeries.

In addition to the da Vinci, Kaweah Health also has ROSA® Knee robotic technology to assist with knee replacements and the ExcelsiusGPS® to assist with spinal surgeries. These systems do not replace the surgeon but rather act as highly sophisticated tools to enhance the surgeon’s capabilities. For patients, that may mean faster recovery time to get back to doing what is most important to them.

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Adventist Health Physicians Network

Hanford Medical Pavillion

125 Mall Dr., Ste. 303, Hanford

559-537-0310

Adventist Health Medical Office – Fowler

300 S. Leon South Peters Blvd., Fowler

559-834-1614

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The comprehensive inspection evaluated every aspect of both communities’ operations, including clinical care, financial practices, human resources, resident rights, dietary services, engagement programs, and regulatory compliance. The Deficiency Free Survey underscores Quail Park’s unwavering commitment to excellence in senior living and memory care.

“Our team has worked extremely hard to earn this goal,” said Jeff Moyer, Executive Director at Quail Park at Shannon Ranch. “Our priority is ensuring that our residents and their families thrive and feel valued, safe and supported. To have our team’s dedication and hard work recognized in this way feels amazing.”

Trevin Willis, Executive Director at Quail Park in Cypress, added: “Our team has done a remarkable job and we are extremely proud of them. They care for our residents with warmth, compassion, and professionalism and this achievement truly shows the impact they make.”

Quail Park Memory Care Residences of Visalia was also declared deficiency free, making all 3 buildings deficiency free. Quail Park strives to continue to set the standard in senior living, offering personalized care and enriching programs designed to support residents and bring peace of mind to their families.

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