Fairfield Hospital Earns AACN Beacon Award

Fairfield, Ohio — [February 6, 2026] — Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Beacon Award for Excellence for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
(CVICU)– Silver by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), recognizing its commitment to exceptional patient care, professional practice, and a healthy work environment.

The AACN Beacon Award for Excellence honors hospital units that demonstrate sustained improvements in patient outcomes, evidence-based practice, and collaborative team performance. The Silver designation reflects a high level of achievement and ongoing dedication to quality and safety in critical and acute care.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication and professionalism of our caregivers,” said Justin Krueger, president of Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital. “Our CVICU team consistently puts patients and families first, delivering compassionate, high-quality care every day. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to excellence and grateful for the impact they make in our community.”

To earn the Beacon Award, units undergo a rigorous evaluation process that assesses performance across leadership, staffing, communication, patient outcomes, and continuous learning. The award aligns with AACN’s Healthy Work Environment standards, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and excellence in clinical practice.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and teamwork,” said Kim Sebastian, manager - CVICU, Mercy Health-Fairfield. "Receiving the Silver Beacon Award affirms our shared commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue improving for the patients and families we serve.”

The Beacon Award designation is valid for a year and reflects Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital’s ongoing mission to provide patient-centered care grounded in clinical excellence, integrity, and compassion.
 
For more information about Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital and its commitment to quality care, visit mercy.com.