Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Fall 2025 Safety Grade is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety 

SANTA MARIA, CA, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 – Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital’s (AGCH) both earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  

"Receiving an 'A' for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group means we're delivering on our promise to our community – that your health and safety are our absolute top priority. This recognition is a direct result of the incredible dedication of our entire hospital family, from the nurses and doctors who care for patients at the bedside to the support teams behind the scenes,” says Sue Andersen, President and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. “It assures you that when you choose us for your care, you are choosing an environment built on continuous excellence, where your well-being is always protected, and where you can heal with confidence."

"This isn't just a letter grade, “ says Dr. Tom Vendegna, Chief Medical Officer of Marian Regional Medical Center and  Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. “It signifies the successful integration of rigorous processes, evidence-based practices, and vigilant quality controls. It speaks volumes about our medical staff's clinical expertise and collective commitment to provide the highest quality, and safest care possible. " 

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Marian Regional and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital made a true commitment to put patient safety first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.” 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

To explore Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and stay informed through The Leapfrog Group newsletter. 

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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, California. The modern facility is home to a broad array of services including a level II trauma center, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and boasts the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety . Dignityhealth.org/MarianRegional

About Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is rated a top Joint Replacement Center by Blue Shield and among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement, offering the latest in robotic and other technologically advanced orthopedic procedures. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients.  The Emergency Department is nationally recognized for superior patient satisfaction and the hospital provides the only comprehensive hospital-based Acute Rehabilitation Center on the Central Coast, offering a wide range of individualized therapies. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/arroyo-grande/

About Dignity Health California 
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org. 

About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.