PARIS, IL (Chambana Today) — Horizon Health has earned national recognition for its emergency department for the third consecutive year, receiving the 2026 Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals for timely and effective emergency care.

The Paris-based hospital was one of just 21 hospitals in Illinois (out of 235 nationwide) to receive the award, placing it among the top 4% of U.S. hospitals for emergency care.

Key metrics behind the recognition include an average ER wait time of 109 minutes, compared to the national average of 158 minutes, and a rate of just 1% of patients leaving before being seen, below the national average of 2%. The hospital also received high marks for its rapid response to severe sepsis and septic shock.

“I’m proud of our teams for achieving top-tier performance and demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence,” said Rachel Kelley, Vice President of Nursing Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “As Horizon Health continues to grow, we remain focused on raising the bar through innovation, workforce development, and patient-centered care.”

The recognition follows a two-year emergency department renovation completed last fall, which included technological upgrades and expanded staffing. The hospital also ranks in the top 10th percentile nationwide for stroke and sepsis care and is one of only 158 hospitals in the country to earn the American Heart Association’s 2025 Commitment to Quality Award for cardiovascular and stroke care.

“I am proud to recognize the exceptional dedication, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment of our emergency department staff and providers,” said Samantha McCarty, Director of Emergency Services. “This is one of many milestones as we continue to advance and elevate the care we provide.”

Horizon Health is also pursuing recognition as a specialized pediatric care provider as it continues to expand its services.