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Big Bend Regional Medical Center Ranked Among Nation’s Top Hospitals for Sepsis Care
ALPINE, TX (June 10, 2026)—Big Bend Regional Medical Center has earned a 98 SEP-1 score in the latest data report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The score places the hospital among the top ten performers in the nation for compliance with nationally recognized protocols for the timely treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.
The CMS Timely and Effective Care dataset, updated May 13, 2026, evaluates hospitals nationwide on a range of quality measures, including SEP-1 — one of the most critical indicators of care for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Of the hospitals evaluated, only 25 nationwide achieved SEP-1 scores of 95 or higher during the reporting period. With a score of 98, Big Bend Regional Medical Center ranked seventh nationally for SEP-1 performance.
“We are incredibly proud of our physicians, nurses, and clinical staff for achieving this recognition,” said Wendy Barnett, CEO of Big Bend Regional Medical Center. “A score like this achievement reflects a sustained commitment to quality, collaboration, and patient-centered care. Every day, caregivers work diligently to identify sepsis quickly and provide timely, evidence-based treatment, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication to our community.”
Sepsis: A Medical Emergency
Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Sepsis affects at least 1.7 million adults in the United States each year and is associated with more than 350,000 deaths annually.
Nearly 87% of sepsis cases begin outside of a hospital setting, making early recognition and rapid treatment essential.
Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include:
- Fast heart rate or weak pulse
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Fever, shivering, or feeling unusually cold
- Shortness of breath
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Reduced urine output
- Low blood pressure
“Sepsis can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly,” said Dr. David Nitschmann, a member of the medical staff at Big Bend Regional Medical Center. “People with chronic health conditions, weakened immune systems, and older adults may face a greater risk, but sepsis can affect anyone. Knowing the warning signs and seeking medical attention early can help ensure patients receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible.”
Higher-risk groups include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Infants under 1 year of age
Sepsis also significantly impacts pediatric populations, with approximately 75,000 children diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Act Quickly—Know the Signs
If an infection is not improving, is getting worse, or symptoms become severe, seek medical attention immediately and ask a healthcare provider, “Could this be sepsis?” In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Effective treatment often requires urgent hospital care, including close monitoring and rapid administration of antibiotics.
About Big Bend Regional Medical Center
Big Bend Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Alpine, Texas, that provides a range of inpatient and outpatient hospital services, including Acute Care, Emergency, Surgery, Orthopedics, Swing-Bed, Laboratory, and Diagnostic Imaging. For more information, visit https://bigbendhealthcare.com/.