Three Penn Highlands Hospitals Earn Five-Star Ratings for Nurse Communication

Three Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals have earned five-star ratings for nurse communication, according to newly released data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Elk (Pictured) and Penn Highlands Tyrone each received the highest possible rating for nurse communication based on patient responses to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

Only 39 hospitals across Pennsylvania received a five-star rating in this category.

“Clear, compassionate communication is essential to helping patients feel informed, respected and confident in their care,” said Julianne Peer, president of Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Elk. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our nurses, who take the time to listen to patients, answer their questions and make sure they feel supported throughout their hospital stay.”

The ratings are based on data collected between October 2024 and September 2025 and released last month in Becker’s Hospital Review. The survey measures patients’ experiences with how well nurses explained things clearly, listened carefully and treated them with courtesy and respect.

“Our nurses play an important role in shaping the patient experience, and effective communication is an important part of providing high-quality care,” said Rhonda Halstead, Regional Market President – Central Region, at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “We are proud to see Penn Highlands Tyrone recognized for its commitment to keeping patients informed, listening to their concerns and treating every patient with dignity and respect.”

More than 4,400 hospitals participate in HCAHPS, with nearly two million patients completing the survey each year. The results provide patients and their families with information about hospital experiences and help healthcare organizations identify opportunities to improve the quality of care.

The five-star ratings demonstrate Penn Highlands Healthcare’s commitment to patient-centered care and recognize the nurses whose communication, compassion and dedication help patients and families navigate their healthcare experiences with greater confidence.