12/30/2025
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that its Skilled Care Unit has been recognized among the elite top 19% of Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in the nation, earning a coveted “High Performing” rating from U.S. News & World Report.
The “High Performing” rating is the highest possible designation awarded by U.S. News in its annual Best Nursing Homes evaluation. Facilities earning this recognition demonstrate strong performance in quality measures specific to short-term rehabilitation, including patient outcomes, staffing, safety, and care processes designed to help patients recover and return home following illness, injury, or surgery.
U.S. News evaluates thousands of skilled nursing facilities across the country using publicly available data, primarily from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Short-Term Rehabilitation rating reflects performance related to post-acute care, including successful discharges, hospital readmissions, and emergency department visits.
The Skilled Care Unit at Fairfield Memorial Hospital provides short-term skilled care nursing and services to those who require medical care, nursing care, and/or rehabilitation services. Under the direction of the patient’s physician, the FMH Skilled Care Unit provides: 24-hour pharmacy services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, skilled nursing services, medication, blood transfusion, wound care, discharge planning, and daily activities.
Skilled Care Unit Director, Christy Simpson, RN, reflects on receiving the honor, “We are honored to receive this Best Nursing Homes recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which reflects our daily commitment to the safety, dignity, and recovery of our residents. Choosing a nursing home can be stressful, and our team works hard to ease that burden by providing an environment that feels like home while living out our FMH mission: ‘To positively influence the health of those we serve.’ There are many components that come together to create the best possible experience for our residents and their families during times of need, and I am grateful to everyone who plays a role in that process. Our Skilled Care Unit team shows up every day with compassion and purpose, and this recognition would not be possible without their dedication. We are truly thankful to those who trust us with their care and recovery and for the opportunity to serve our community—whether through healing, support during difficult moments, or simply adding a smile to someone’s day.”
Pictured are some of the many wonderful employees who provide outstanding care on Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Care Unit.
Front: Sarah Koker, Environmental Services, Lourdes Bulasa, RN, Jane Bailey, RN, Rebecca Bunting, CNA, Destiny French, CNA, Erin White, CNA, Leah Bowers, LSW
2nd row: Dianna Richards, Activity Director, Gina Lemond, RN, Debbie Vaughn, CNA/Secretary, Belinda Moore, RN, Torri Branson, CNA, Sandy Harrawood-Colyer, CNA, Savanna Nelson, COTA, Morgan Dulaney, COTA, Kim Caldwell, RN/MDS, Ashley Tucker, RN, Georgia Opell, CAN
3rd Row: Erin Phillips, RN, Kelly Iverson, RN, Melissa Eikenhorst, Environmental Services, Kalee Parsley, CNA, Christy Simpson, RN Nurse Manager, Jaylynn Stewart, CNA, Faith Cullison, OTR, Lonnie Hodnett, CNA
Not Pictured: Madeline Pokojski, RN, Tracy Marlow, RN, Tiffany White, CNA, Abby Bateman, CNA, Brandi Hineman, CNA, Abby Hedden, CNA, Eliah West, CNA, Tara Larkin, CNA, Campbell Biggs, CNA, Raya Horton, CNA, Channelar Sager, CNA, Hayli Michels, Environmental Services, Shelby Colyer, PTA, April Best, SLP