MDI Health’s Mount Desert Island (MDI) Hospital, has earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for nurse communication, the highest possible distinction for how patients rate communication with their nursing care team.
The recognition is based on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey data collected between July 2024 and June 2025 and released by CMS on May 15, 2026. The nurse communication rating reflects how patients felt their nurses explained things clearly, listened carefully, and treated them with courtesy and respect throughout their hospital stay.
MDI Hospital’s recognition was also highlighted nationally in Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of hospitals earning five-star ratings for nurse communication. Nationwide, just 38 more hospitals received the distinction this year compared with last year, underscoring how meaningful the recognition is.
“As we wrap up National Nurses Month, it feels especially meaningful to receive this 5-Star CMS recognition for Nurse Communication,” said MDI Health President and CEO Chrissi Maguire. “It’s a powerful reflection of the compassion, professionalism, and exceptional care our nursing team brings to every patient, every day. Our nurses are at the heart of the patient experience, listening closely, communicating clearly, and treating every person with kindness and respect. This recognition speaks to their unwavering commitment to our patients and the community we are proud to serve.”
For MDI Hospital, the recognition highlights the vital role nurses play in every patient’s experience. From the first conversation at the bedside to ongoing care and discharge planning, clear communication and compassionate listening are essential to helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
As an independent, critical access hospital serving a rural island community, MDI Hospital’s nursing team cares for patients close to home while providing the same level of professionalism and patient-centered care found in larger health systems. The five-star rating reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care while strengthening trust with patients and families throughout the region.
MDI Health is proud to recognize and celebrate its nursing team for this achievement and for the outstanding care they provide every day.
