French Hospital Medical Center Achieves Coveted CMS 5-Star Rating Again, Demonstrating Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, August 28, 2025 – Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is proud to announce it has once again received a coveted 5-Star overall hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This prestigious recognition underscores French Hospital's consistent dedication to providing exceptional patient care and superior outcomes for the San Luis Obispo community. It’s the only hospital in San Luis Obispo County to earn a 5-star CMS rating during this rating period. 

The CMS 5-Star rating is considered the highest mark of excellence in hospital quality. It is based on a comprehensive assessment of how well a hospital performs across 46 quality measures and in five critical areas, including the effective treatment of conditions like heart attacks and pneumonia, managing readmission rates, and ensuring the paramount safety of care. Ranging from 1 to 5 stars, this rigorous evaluation provides patients with transparent information to make informed healthcare decisions.

"To once again be recognized by CMS with a five-star rating is not merely an accolade; it is an affirmation of our dedication to the health and well-being of every life entrusted to our care here at French Hospital," said Dr. Thomas Vendegna, Chief Medical Officer at French Hospital Medical Center. "This distinguished honor is a direct reflection of the tireless commitment and expertise of our entire team, who prioritize quality and safety at every turn, ensuring excellence in all we do."

"I’m so proud of the exceptional team at French,” says Sue Andersen, President and Chief Executive Officer at French Hospital. “I'm honored to lead such a brilliant group of nurses, doctors, and staff – they are, without a doubt, the true stars here."

French Hospital has consistently received 4 or 5 stars since 2020. This achievement reflects the hospital’s steadfast mission to deliver the highest standard of compassionate and effective healthcare to the community we serve.

The star ratings of all the nation’s hospitals are listed on CMS's Hospital Compare website at www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

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About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, San Luis Obispo County’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families.  Learn more at dignityhealth.org/frenchhospital.

About Dignity Health Central Coast

Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.

About CommonSpirit Health

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.