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Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Named to Becker’s 2026 100 Great Community Hospitals List

Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Named to Becker’s 2026  100 Great Community Hospitals List

Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 “100 Great Community Hospitals” list. This national recognition honors hospitals across the country that serve as trusted healthcare anchors, delivering exceptional, advanced clinical services close to home. Becker’s selected organizations based on nominations and evaluations from respected healthcare quality and performance organizations.

As a 125-bed, full-service facility, Ascension Saint Thomas River Park is the largest of Ascension Saint Thomas’ regional hospitals. With nearly 400 associates and a medical staff representing 26 specialties, the hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients throughout McMinnville, Warren County and surrounding communities.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, associates, and caregivers who deliver compassionate, high-quality care every day,” said Eric Paul, president of Ascension Saint Thomas River Park. 

To meet the growing healthcare needs of the region, the hospital recently completed significant facility improvements through a $15.2 million investment, funded in part by a $7.6 million state grant matched by Ascension Saint Thomas. The project expanded the emergency department from 12 to 21 beds, added a 10-bed inpatient unit, and modernized the intensive care unit. These facility upgrades complement ongoing clinical enhancements, including telemedicine stroke services, robotic-assisted surgical technology, and the restoration of acute dialysis care in McMinnville.

Over the past year, Ascension Saint Thomas River Park recorded more than 23,500 emergency department visits and performed more than 1,700 surgeries. The hospital also invested more than $9 million in community benefits during the most recent fiscal year, contributing more than $63 million to the community over the past decade.

Paul added, "Community hospitals play a vital role in ensuring patients have access to dependable, expert medical care without traveling far from home. We are honored to be included on Becker's list and remain focused on serving as a trusted partner in the health and well-being of our community."

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