DICKINSON COUNTY -- Dickinson County Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the top performing hospitals nationwide.

The hospital was named a top performer by the accredited Joint Commission last week.  The hospital received the distinction in three of the four major categories.  These categories include treating heart attacks, pneumonia and surgical care.

Administrators believe the distinction could help the hospital draw more elective care patients.

"We lose a lot of patients to Green Bay facilities who people think they must be better because they're a larger system in Green Bay," said DCH Administrator/CEO John Scion.  "However, none of them were recognized by the Joint Commission.  We were.  So I think it does really bode well for the fact that stay local and you'll get quality health care."

Ten hospitals in Michigan, including three in the Upper Peninsula, were also named top performers.  Over 400 hospitals were recognized nationwide.