Exceptional Healthcare, Close to Home with Thayer County Health Services

Earlier this year, Thayer County Health Services (TCHS), located in Hebron, Nebraska, ranked in the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. CEO Brian Rokusek states, “Being recognized as a 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital is a testament to the commitment of our entire team. This achievement reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work endlessly to provide high-quality healthcare to our communities. We are incredibly proud of this recognition, as it highlights our continuous efforts to improve patient experience and enhance healthcare in rural areas.”

TCHS was also recognized for its commitment to quality care and improved outcomes with the 2025 Bronze - Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI by the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program. As stated on the website, “Get With The Guidelines is a proven in-hospital approach to improving patient outcomes across cardiovascular and stroke focus areas. Each Get With The Guidelines program promotes consistent adherence to the latest research-driven guidelines and measurement, while providing data and information to professionals for continual improvement in patient care.” 

Patient-Centered Care

While many assume that small-town hospitals/clinics lack advanced technology and specialty services, TCHS delivers an extensive array of general, outpatient, surgical, and specialty services to patients throughout the surrounding region. Although the primary hospital is located in Hebron, NE, TCHS extends its reach with satellite clinics in Bruning, Davenport, and Deshler, bringing quality care closer to home for all residents.

Having readily available care for patients is one of TCHS’ core promises. This commitment to continuity of care is reflected in the dedicated medical staff:

• Dr. Bryan Hubl (20 years), Dr. Leann Heinrichs (10 years), Dr. Richard Blatny (3 years), and Dr. Lindsey Myers (3 years)
• Physician Assistants - Wendy Vanskiver (10 years), and newcomer Grant Anderson
• Nurse Practitioner Christy Feltes (2 years)

This wonderful team, along with 22 visiting medical professionals, allows TCHS to currently offer 15 specialty services and see patients in the specialty clinic on a consistent basis. After the retirement of the visiting oncologist, TCHS partnered with Mary Lanning Healthcare (MLH) to expand its oncology care. This partnership allowed TCHS to add two biweekly-visiting oncologists. 

In January 2025, the dedication and determination of our medical staff earned TCHS the 2024 Press Ganey Human Experience’s Guardian of Excellence - Physician Experience award. “The Press Ganey Human Experience Awards honor healthcare organizations that set the standard for excellence across the care continuum.” Marketing Director Lauren Van Cleef says, “This award places our providers in the top 95th percentile nationwide for exceptional patient experience. It’s especially meaningful as it comes directly from the voices of our patients, reflecting our ongoing mission to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.”

Dedication to Service

TCHS is committed to expanding the medical industry by building trust and strong relationships while fostering resilient connections. The main pillar from TCHS' Strategic Plan is People. The goal under this pillar is to enrich and retain the healthcare workforce to deliver high-quality care. They understand that quality healthcare starts with people, the ones providing the care. By investing in the growth and development of their employees, they ensure patients receive the best care possible. Another key pillar is Service. The goal is to enhance access, support growth, and sustain essential healthcare services for the region. As a rural healthcare provider, TCHS recognizes the importance of offering a wide range of high-quality services, especially since traveling long distances for care is not feasible for everyone.

TCHS equips staff with the resources needed to succeed. Knowing the next generation of healthcare professionals represents the future and legacy of care, TCHS is passionate about educating and mentoring by investing in students with the hope of them returning to build their careers. TCHS offers a wide variety of job shadows, internships, and student programs. High school students considering a medical profession shadow TCHS employees to jump-start their medical education and explore potential career paths. These opportunities can last weeks to months, giving students an in-depth look into their future. Also, medical students on summer break can return to TCHS for employment, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

The Heart of a Community

Thayer County Health Services is more than just a hospital; it's a testament to what small-town healthcare can achieve. Through prestigious awards, advanced services, and a deep commitment to Thayer County and surrounding communities, TCHS shows that world-class care extends far beyond big cities. It lives and thrives right here in Thayer County.
The dedication of its long-serving staff and the hospital's investment in the next generation of medical professionals ensure that this legacy of excellence will continue. TCHS is the heart of Thayer County and surrounding areas, providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing high-quality, compassionate care is always close to home.

TCEDA applauds the compassionate, high-quality care that Thayer County Health Services consistently provides to our residents and to those beyond our county’s borders. When we highlight what makes Thayer County the heart of the Good Life, TCHS is always at the top of our list. We invite you to join us here in Thayer County, where exceptional care and community come together.