Freeman West ranked among nation's best for quality

JOPLIN, Mo.—National Research Corporation named Freeman Hospital West among the nation’s top hospitals, as well as one of the top ranked in the Joplin area. Through household surveys, local consumers ranked Freeman Joplin’s best hospital for doctors, nurses, and overall quality care. Because of this distinction, Freeman received a National Research Corporation Consumer Choice Award. 

National Research Market Insights surveyed more than 270,000 households nationwide. Consumers were asked which local hospital they preferred. Those responses indicated Freeman offers the best overall quality care from doctors and nurses. 

“This designation carries a lot of significance for Freeman because it was awarded to us by those whose perspective matters most—our patients,” said Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition as Joplin’s best hospital.” 

Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the largest patient satisfaction firms in the U.S., National Research is dedicated to representing the true voice of patients and other healthcare stakeholders. 

“We are thrilled to offer this annual award because we understand how important the role of reputation plays in healthcare consumer decision-making,” said Susan L. Henricks, President and Chief Operating Officer at National Research. “These winners have done an outstanding job of representing their organizations in terms of high quality care, improvement initiatives, and positive consumer perceptions and experiences. The consumers have spoken. And we congratulate the winning hospitals in receiving this honor.” 

About Freeman Health System

Based in Joplin, Mo., and proudly recognized as the Best Hospital in southwest Missouri—as well as ranked #4 in the state—by US News & World Report, Freeman Health System provides comprehensive healthcare and behavioral health services, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurosciences, orthopaedics, and women’s services. The area’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system, Freeman has more than 300 physicians representing 60 specialties serving southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, and northwest Arkansas. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem, or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.