Hospice of Montezuma has been recognized as a top-performing organization by HealthcareFirst, a national health care technology company.

The group named Hospice of Montezuma a 2017 Hospice Honors recipient based on survey results from October 2015 to September 2016. HealthcareFirst administers a yearly survey that assesses patients’ perceptions of a hospice service.

The hospice scored at or above the benchmark for 20 of the 24 areas assessed on the survey, earning it Hospice Honors recognition.

“I’m just really proud of the team,” hospice director Wendy Weygandt said Tuesday. “It’s not one person, it’s the whole.”

This is the second year HealthcareFirst administered the ratings. In the first year, the hospice had a perfect score, earning a Hospice Honors Elite recognition, Weygandt said.

The survey contains questions on communication, timely care, emotional support and other areas. The awards are designed to aid the decision-making process for people who may need to select a hospice.

Weygandt said she is glad Hospice of Montezuma was recognized, especially because the organization moved to its new location at 512 N. Broadway, last fall.

“It’s quite a privilege to have a small hospice score that high,” she said. “Our staff was working double time.

The move led to growth and greater visibility for Hospice of Montezuma, Weygandt said.

Weygandt gave credit to everyone – staff, board of directors, volunteers and sponsors.

“It’s a whole community effort,” she said. “It reflects the integrity of the service and how much it’s needed here. It’s great to be able to provide this care at a high level.”