29 Straight 'A's: Dignity Health French Hospital Establishes Elite National Status in Patient Safety

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - May 6, 2026 - Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center a member of CommonSpirit was awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the 29th consecutive grading round by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. This designates French Hospital as a “Straight A” hospital, defined as hospitals that have an A for Spring 2026 and have sustained that grade for at least the last five or more grading rounds. This select group represents 15% of all eligible hospitals. French Hospital is one of only 11 hospitals across the nation to achieve 29 consecutive A’s, and one of just 2  hospitals in the state of California and the only hospital on the Central Coast to claim this elite 29 straight “A” status.  Of all US healthcare systems, CommonSpirit has the largest number of hospitals with 'Straight A' designations, a testament to their consistent commitment to patient safety and quality care.

"This achievement speaks volumes about the deep-seated dedication and commitment of our entire French Hospital family. It reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care, the robust safety protocols embedded in every aspect of our operations, and the extraordinary teamwork of our staff, says Sue Andersen, President and CEO, French Hospital Medical Center. “For me, it signifies more than just a grade; it's a profound validation that our community can truly trust French Hospital to provide the safest and highest quality health care."

"As CMO, this outstanding record reassures me that our clinical teams are not only adhering to the most stringent safety standards but are actively innovating and collaborating to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients, says Dr. Tom Vendegna, Chief Medical Officer for  French Hospital Medical Center and the Central Coast Market. “This strong commitment to safety, coupled with our 5-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, truly showcases French Hospital's dedication to being a national leader in both quality and patient experience."  

The Leapfrog Group assigns an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “F” grade to all general hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. 

“Dignity Health’s French Hospital deserves recognition for its unwavering focus on protecting patients and delivering safe care, earning an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for 29 consecutive cycles,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Sustaining this level of excellence over time shows a true, organization-wide commitment to making patient safety a top priority every single day.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, injuries and infections that can lead to harm or even death. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

To see French Hospital’s full grade details and to find essential patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and stay updated through The Leapfrog Group newsletter

###

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. Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

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 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 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.

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.