Forbes Top Hospitals award, 2026
KALAMAZOO, MI, May 5, 2026 – Bronson Methodist Hospital, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and Bronson LakeView Hospital have been named to the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026, a national ranking recognizing hospitals for strong patient outcomes, quality care and overall value.
Bronson Methodist Hospital and Bronson Battle Creek Hospital each received an overall five-star rating and five stars for value, reflecting lower-than-expected Medicare spending during and after patient care while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
“Being recognized for delivering high-quality healthcare at the best value reflects our longstanding commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all patients,” said Joseph du Lac, senior vice president for the Bronson Healthcare system and chief operating officer for Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
“Star ratings matter because they reflect what value-driven healthcare is truly about – helping people stay healthier while keeping care affordable for everyone,” said Dr. Kimberly Hatchel, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Bronson Methodist Hospital. “High ratings don’t happen by chance; they are earned through better outcomes, effective prevention efforts and a relentless focus on doing what’s right for patients and the communities we serve.”
Bronson LakeView Hospital received an overall four-star rating, including five stars for patient experience, reflecting strong patient feedback related to communication, discharge instructions and overall care experience.
“Excellent patient experience means patients feel seen and heard, and we pride ourselves on being a true partner in our community’s health and wellness journey,” said Dr. Matthew Dommer, chief operating officer and vice president for medical affairs for Bronson LakeView Hospital. “That’s the difference between administering medical treatment and providing true healthcare.”
Out of more than 5,400 general acute hospitals eligible nationwide, approximately 2,600 met Forbes’ inclusion criteria. Only 259 hospitals received an overall five-star rating, including Bronson Methodist and Bronson Battle Creek hospitals.
“This Forbes recognition underscores our focus on providing exceptional quality while keeping healthcare affordable,” said Bill Manns, president and CEO of Bronson Healthcare. “Across the Bronson system, our physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and caregivers work every day to deliver high-value healthcare to the communities we serve.”
The rankings were developed by Forbes in collaboration with healthcare measurement experts and Inovalon, using validated data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The methodology placed the greatest weight on clinical outcomes such as mortality, readmissions, infections and survival rates, with adjustments for social drivers of health.
The Forbes Top Hospitals list is intended to help patients make more informed decisions when choosing where to receive care.
About Bronson Healthcare
Bronson Healthcare is a not-for-profit, locally governed health system serving southwest and southcentral Michigan. As the region’s leading healthcare provider and largest employer, Bronson has over 9,000 employees, more than 1,700 medical staff members and 747 licensed beds. With the largest Medical Group in the region, Bronson offers a full continuum of care across 70 locations, including four acute care hospitals in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw and South Haven. Bronson is home to southwest Michigan’s only Level I Trauma Center, children’s hospital and high-risk pregnancy and birthing center.
About Bronson Methodist Hospital
Bronson Methodist Hospital, located in downtown Kalamazoo, is the flagship hospital of Bronson Healthcare. With 434 licensed beds and all-private rooms, it provides care in virtually every specialty and is nationally recognized for excellence in trauma, stroke, cardiovascular care, obstetrics and pediatrics.
About Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is a 189‑bed, all‑private room hospital offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. It is nationally recognized for clinical quality, surgical excellence and patient experience, with a long-standing commitment to cancer care and specialty services.
About Bronson LakeView Hospital
Bronson LakeView Hospital is a 16-bed critical access hospital in Paw Paw serving Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties. It provides accessible inpatient and outpatient care, including emergency services, surgery, primary care and rehabilitation, and is recognized for strong outcomes and community-focused care.
