North Valley Hospital announced Tuesday that Avatar International has recognized the hospital with its Overall Best Performer award.

Avatar International, a provider of quality improvement services, has given this award to North Valley Hospital for the last three years.

Since 2002, North Valley Hospital has used the Avatar patient satisfaction system to obtain information from patients about their care at the hospital.

Based on their responses, North Valley Hospital received Exceeding Patient Expectations Award every year, making 2010 the eighth year in a row.

Avatar based the Overall Best Performance award on the hospital’s 2010 patient surveys. Responses place North Valley Hospital in the top 10 percentile of hospitals with the highest overall combined score for inpatient, outpatient, emergency department and ambulatory surgery services.

The hospital evaluation measures patient expectations, processes and outcomes for the department where patients were admitted. 

Patient feedback is vital in helping North Valley Hospital achieve and maintain outstanding customer service. Comments assist the hospital to evolve and improve quality and care.

“The ongoing commitment to patient-centered care through the teamwork of our staff is what drives the many accolades that North Valley Hospital continues to earn,” said Jason Spring, North Valley Hospital chief executive officer.  “We work very hard to make our patients’ visits as safe and comfortable as possible for both their physical and mental well-being and it’s nice to know our patients recognize this.”

Patients and visitors can join the conversation on Facebook and share their experiences at North Valley Hospital at www.facebook.com/northvalleyhospital.  For more information, call 863-3500 or visit www.nvhosp.org.