Healthgrades Reveals 2026 Top U.S. Hospitals for Patient Safety Excellence

Healthgrades Honors 438 Hospitals for Exceptional Patient Safety in 2026

Healthgrades, a leading healthcare ratings organization, has announced the recipients of its 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Awards. The awards recognize hospitals that deliver the highest quality care while preventing serious safety events during hospital stays.

The 2026 recipients include 438 hospitals from 40 states, representing the top 10% of U.S. hospitals for patient safety. According to Healthgrades, these hospitals excel at minimizing preventable complications, setting a national benchmark for healthcare excellence.

Key Findings from Healthgrades’ Analysis

Healthgrades’ annual analysis revealed that more than 100,000 patient safety events could have been avoided between 2022 and 2024 if all hospitals had matched the performance of the 2026 award recipients. Patients treated at these top hospitals were significantly less likely to experience the four most common patient safety indicators (PSIs), which account for approximately 78% of all safety events:

• In-hospital falls resulting in fractures: 52.4% less likely
• Collapsed lungs related to chest procedures or surgery: 57.5% less likely
• Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital: 67.8% less likely
• Pressure sores or bed sores developed during a hospital stay: 71.9% less likely

"The data behind this year’s Patient Safety Excellence Award highlights how measurable improvements in safety can prevent thousands of complications. Hospitals that prioritize evidence-based safety practices not only achieve better clinical outcomes, but also cultivate a culture where patients come first. These insights give individuals and families the information they need to make confident and better informed healthcare decisions."

How the 2026 Top Hospitals for Patient Safety Were Selected

Healthgrades identified the 2026 award recipients through a rigorous analysis of hospital performance in preventing serious safety complications. The evaluation process included:

• Examination of inpatient MedPAR data to assess hospital performance.
• Evaluation across 13 patient safety indicators (PSIs), including respiratory failure after surgery, surgical infections, and excessive bleeding following procedures.
• Risk-adjusted data comparisons to account for variations in patient populations.
• Calculation of an overall patient safety score for each hospital, enabling national ranking.

To qualify for the award, hospitals must rank in the top 10% nationally for patient safety and meet additional eligibility requirements, such as:

• Meeting clinical quality thresholds.
• Reporting data on at least 7 of 8 core patient safety indicators.
• Having no documented cases of foreign objects left in patients during procedures.

The Importance of Hospital Rankings and Safety Awards

Hospital rankings and safety awards play a critical role in helping patients and families make informed healthcare decisions. By highlighting hospitals that excel in patient safety, these recognitions provide transparency and encourage continuous improvement across the healthcare industry.

For individuals seeking high-quality care, awards like the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award serve as a reliable indicator of a hospital’s commitment to safety and patient-centered care.