Sanford Fargo named top innovation program
May 27, 2025
Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org
FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Medical Center Fargo has been recognized by Becker’s Health Review as one of 52 hospitals and health systems with great innovation programs.
These hospitals and health systems utilize progressive, visionary innovation programs to revolutionize their care. Innovation programs often incorporate intensive research, cutting-edge technology, community partnerships, venture arms and more.
“It is truly an honor to have our 8AB Innovation Unit recognized for their efforts in continuously exploring new avenues to exceptional patient care,” said Ericka Wambach, Sanford Fargo 8AB innovation unit director. “Since opening in 2019, the innovation unit has been involved in numerous impactful projects, including a patent-pending electronic rounding dashboard that has reduced falls by 40%, and the successful pilot of the Artisight AI platform for remote nursing, which is being implemented enterprise-wide. I am proud of the team and the world-class health care they provide to the communities we serve.”
Sanford Medical Center Fargo’s 8AB Innovation Unit is a dedicated medical-surgical team that pilots forward-thinking solutions to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The innovation unit has launched systemwide initiatives like the Sanford Accountability for Excellence (SAFE) huddle boards, which transformed shift communication and now engages over 42,000 Sanford Health employees. The innovation unit’s dyad leadership model, which pairs physicians with nursing leaders, has improved communication, accountability and patient outcomes across the Fargo region.
A list of all hospitals and health systems recognized with great innovation programs can be found here.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 2.4 million patients and more than 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes 56 hospitals, more than 270 clinic locations, 144 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, nearly 1,000 active clinical trials and studies, and nine world clinic locations around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
