Congratulations to Virgil Wells, Cheryl Smithhart and Scott Higgins of Environmental Services for receiving an UnityPoint Health - Des Moines ACE Award. The ACE (Always Committed to Excellence) Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of UnityPoint Health - Des Moines employees. Below is the nomination letter written for Virgil, Cheryl and Scott, and an example of the great care and service they provide.

On January 17, 2012, it was snowing, and our hospital parking lots and sidewalks were covered with snow. While on break in the Younker 1 Café, Scott Higgins noticed an elderly lady struggling to walk up the sidewalk. Knowing that she was not going to make it, Virgil Wells, Cheryl Smithhart and Scott rushed out to help her. She refused a wheelchair, so Cheryl took one arm and Virgil the other. Scott retrieved her walker. When they arrived at the Younker entrance, the woman was very weak. Thinking quickly, they put her in a wheelchair and made sure she was alright. They asked her where she was going, and Cheryl assisted her to therapy. All three checked on her a few minutes later and told the therapy staff that she would need help back to her vehicle. The way these employees sprinted into action to help a stranger in need should be recognized.

Virgil, Cheryl and Scott were nominated by Ona Lovell of Environmental Services.