ECU Health has been named a 2025 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award winner in consumer experience by Press Ganey, a global health care experience solutions and services company. 

This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in consumer experience.

“This recognition from Press Ganey is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to listening to our patients and constantly improving based on their insights,” said Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, chief experience officer at ECU Health. “Being honored for excellence in consumer experience reflects the strength of the ECU Health brand in eastern North Carolina and affirms the trust our communities place in us. I am so proud of the compassion and dedication of our team members who deliver high-quality care to those who call eastern North Carolina home.”

The Press Ganey Human Experience Awards honor health care organizations that consistently lead in patient experience, employee and physician engagement, clinical quality and safety. 

As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award, ECU Health is in the top 1 percent of health care providers in consumer experience in the last year.

“As a mission-driven rural health care system, ECU Health is uniquely positioned to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to communities that often face barriers to access,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer at ECU Health. “This recognition from Press Ganey reflects the extraordinary commitment of our team members who work tirelessly to create meaningful patient experiences while advancing health equity across eastern North Carolina. It is a powerful testament to our work to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”

Press Ganey reviews third-party ratings on platforms like Google, Healthgrades, WebMD, Sharecare and Vitals, and reviews the health care organization’s responsiveness to patient reviews addressing concerns. 

The 2025 awards are based on performance from Jan. 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025.

“ECU Health is showing what it truly means to deliver compassionate, person-centered care,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “Their deep commitment to both patients and caregivers is creating a culture where empathy drives action—and where people feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s a privilege to stand beside them on this journey.”