Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield has been recognized for "exceeding patient expectations in service quality" for the fifth year in a row by Avatar International.

Avatar International measures customer expectations for health care organizations across the world. According to the organization, Sebasticook Valley Hospital was one among 69 hospitals in the country to receive the recognition.

"This award is a testament to the hard work of our staff and board of trustees who have worked tirelessly to ensure our hospital's quality goals are met and exceeded each year," said John C. May, the hospital's president and CEO. That the hospital has received the award for five straight years means "we knew we were on target with our efforts in making patient satisfaction our top priority," May said.

David Medvedeff, CEO of Avatar, said the recognition is judged by a hospital's ability to "consistently meet or exceed" customers expectations. Sebasticook Valley Hospital, Medvedeff said, "has demonstrated that it exceeds its patients expectations in a tangible and measurable manner."

Sebasticook Valley Hospital is a 25-bed acute-car hospital located at 447 North Main St. in Pittsfield. Information: 487-5141.