 The professional research consultants, also known as PRC, randomly survey patients about their experience at hospitals and clinics. Local essential health service providers ranked very well on the last survey. Sarah Winkelman has more. After a visit to the emergency room, you might get a call from the PRC asking how your recent visit went. Those that took the time to complete the survey spoke fondly of Ascension Health St. Joseph's Medical Center and their emergency department. It was really rewarding for the staff because they could actually see that their efforts were noticed and they meant something. Patients all across the nation were surveyed at over 400 different organizations proving that patients walking through these emergency department doors at Ascension Health St. Joseph's Medical Center are receiving the best quality care. Ascension Health was one of only nine organizations to win a Platinum Award for improving quality care in the emergency department. You know, spending more time at the bedside, sitting down when they talk to patients. So those are the things that they came up with doing hourly rounding. We initiated whiteboards and those types of things to portray a more cohesive team. Teamwork is key for many Ascension Health clinics as well, including the Pillager Clinic where Dr. Kathy Wimmer was rated in the top 10% nationally for providing service. We have a great team. That's how we manage to do what we do all the way from the front desk to the nursing staff. Also in the top 10% was the nurse practitioner from the Pillager Clinic. That they are satisfied with the care that I provide or that they get timely care that we walk through things makes me know that I'm doing a good job so I love that. The feedback means a great deal to those that love their job and now know how much others appreciate all they do. I'm grateful to be able to do what I do. I mean what a blessing to be able to be involved in the care of patients and you know, invited into their lives to have that trust. That's not a small thing and I don't take it lightly. The small clinics have received recognition on a large stage but the people of Ascension Health will continue to work as a team to achieve even more. Reporting in Brainerd and Pillager, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. Nineteen physicians and advanced practice clinicians at Ascension Health were in the top 10% and another 12 were among the top 25% in the nation. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.