Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has earned an APEX Recognition Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care for its commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based respiratory care.
The respiratory department at Orlando Health St. Cloud was among 41 recipients in the United States of the 2025-2026 Apex Recognition Award, including Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. This is the first APEX designation for both Orlando Health facilities, which were honored in the Acute Care Hospital category.
“We are honored to receive this recognition, which highlights our commitment to providing compassionate and exceptional respiratory care,” said Sheila Bakker, BHS, RRT, director of respiratory care at Orlando Health St. Cloud. “This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our team, who work tirelessly to deliver personalized, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our community.”
Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who work under physician supervision, specializing in the evaluation, treatment and care of patients of all ages with breathing and lung conditions. They manage life-support systems such as ventilators, administer respiratory medications and provide therapies to enhance lung function and overall respiratory health.
The Apex Recognition Award was developed in 2017 to recognize respiratory care departments and programs that demonstrate excellence in healthcare and outstanding higher education for respiratory therapists.
“Apex programs and departments dedicate themselves to ensuring superb care for patients everywhere,” said AARC President Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC. “These clinical departments are a vital component to a patient’s healthcare team, making a positive impact for the hospital, families and patients.”
