San Juan Regional Medical Center has been named the New Mexico Hospital Association’s top overall hospital for 2025, with judges citing a central line safety project that cuts dressing disruptions and aims to lower bloodstream infections. The Farmington based hospital also took the general acute care category. The recognition comes from the NMHA Quest for Excellence program, which honors measurable quality improvements across the state. San Juan Regional’s project, called Ditch the Stitches, replaces sutures with suture less adhesive securement for central venous access.

According to the hospital, the change is designed to reduce dressing disruptions and improve line stability, a key factor in preventing central line associated bloodstream infections. The hospital says early results show fewer disruptions and better workflow for staff. Hospital leaders say the award reflects work across units that rely on central lines for high acuity patients. The medical center is the primary complex care provider for San Juan County and the Four Corners region.

The Quest for Excellence designation signals to patients and families that the hospital is tracking outcomes and adjusting practice to cut complications that lengthen stays and drive costs. The award was presented at the NMHA Quality Awards luncheon in Albuquerque. San Juan Regional states this is the second consecutive year it has been named the top overall hospital. Prism requested additional data on baseline and current CLABSI rates, the number of units covered by the policy change, and implementation dates to assess the full impact. For San Juan County residents, the key takeaway is simple, fewer line related complications mean safer care close to home.

At a time when rural hospitals statewide are under pressure, a quality win backed by a concrete practice change matters.