BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has earned national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review for being among hospitals in the United States with the lowest rates of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, highlighting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient safety, infection prevention and high-quality care.
The recognition is based on hospital-acquired infection data reported through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), using measures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and data collected through the National Healthcare Safety Network. This data was collected from October 2024 to September 2025 and was last updated August 13.
According to the reported data, St. Joseph’s Hospital recorded zero C. diff infections during that time.
C. diff is a bacterium that can cause serious intestinal infections, particularly among patients receiving antibiotics or those with weakened immune systems. Preventing these infections is an important component of hospital safety and requires consistent attention to infection prevention practices, environmental cleaning, hand hygiene and appropriate antibiotic use.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to providing safe, high-quality care to the patients and communities we serve,” John Forester, president and CEO of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, said. “Patient safety is a responsibility shared by every department throughout our hospital, and this achievement demonstrates the importance of teamwork, accountability, and maintaining high standards of care every day.”
The recognition also highlights the essential contributions of clinical teams, infection prevention personnel, environmental services and support departments whose daily efforts help maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
“Being recognized nationally is something our entire hospital team can take pride in,” Forester added. “It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that patients in our community can feel confident in the care they receive right here at home.”
WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital
WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital is a critical access community hospital in Buckhannon, West Virginia, operating as part of WVU Medicine. Originally established by the Pallotine Sisters, it offers 24-hour emergency care along with inpatient and outpatient services, including women’s health, for the central West Virginia region. For more information, call 304-473-2000 or visit wvumedicine.org.
This story brought to you courtesy of our community partner
