Scotland Memorial Hospital Earns Spot on Forbes 2026 Top Hospitals List

Scotland Memorial Hospital has been named to the Forbes 2026 Top Hospitals list, a national recognition that carries special meaning for a hospital deeply rooted in a rural community. While the list highlights hospitals across the country for excellence in quality, outcomes, and patient experience, Scotland Memorial’s inclusion reflects something even more personal: the daily commitment of caregivers who choose to serve their neighbors close to home. 

Unlike many national rankings, the Forbes list evaluates hospitals using independently validated data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The score places its greatest emphasis on clinical outcomes—mortality, readmissions, infection rates—while also weighing best practices, patient experience, and value of care. Importantly, the methodology adjusts for social drivers of health, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of diverse communities. 

For Scotland Health leadership, the recognition is less about the accolade itself and more about what it represents. 

“This honor is really a reflection of the people who walk through our doors every day—our nurses, physicians, techs, support staff, and everyone who chooses to serve this community with skill and compassion,” said David Pope, Chief Executive Officer of Scotland Health. “We know what it means for families here to have high quality care close to home. Being included on this list affirms the work our teams put into caring for rural communities with the excellence they deserve.” 

As a rural hospital, Scotland Memorial serves as a lifeline for residents across Scotland, Robeson, Marlboro, and surrounding counties. The recognition underscores years of focused work in quality improvement, patient safety, and expanding access—efforts that have helped patients receive exceptional care without traveling far from home or their support systems. 

“For us, quality isn’t an initiative—it’s a commitment,” Pope added. “It’s knowing our neighbors by name, understanding the challenges they face, and being there for them on their best and hardest days.” 

The Forbes distinction aligns with Scotland Health’s mission: to provide safe, high-quality, compassionate, and sustainable healthcare for every person it serves. It also reinforces the organization’s ongoing investment in clinical excellence, from advanced specialty care to major initiatives like the expansion of the Imaging and Surgical Services Departments.  

Those interested in learning more about the Forbes Top Hospitals evaluation process can visit forbes.com/top-hospitals.