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The basics:

• Health system leaders across NJ tout strong Leapfrog safety grades
• Multiple hospitals earn ‘A’ and ‘Straight A’ designations
• Executives emphasize long-term commitment to patient safety
• Grades highlight statewide focus on quality and harm prevention

As patients and the public sort through the Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades, New Jersey healthcare systems are celebrating their high marks.

The Leapfrog Group releases its hospital safety grades twice a year (Spring and Fall). It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients.

This year, New Jersey delivered 29 “A” graded hospitals. Of the 67 New Jersey acute care hospitals graded by Leapfrog, 82% earned either an A or B mark.

In the wake of the newest list, healthcare systems and hospitals leaders statewide reflected on the significance of the safety grades. Here’s a closer – and non-exhaustive – look at what they’re saying.

Atlantic Health

Five Atlantic Health medical centers earned A marks for patient safety:

• Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center
• Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center
• Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center
• Atlantic Health Newton Medical Center
• Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center — for the first time

Atlantic Health Morristown has maintained an A Grade since Fall 2015. Meanwhile, Atlantic Health Overlook has held a consistent A since Spring 2021.

Atlantic Health Hackettstown’s first A grade reflects the significance of the Safety Grades, and how they can help facilities work toward and achieve safety goals.

“Being recognized once again for top performance in patient safety underscores our systemwide commitment to delivering the highest quality care in the safest possible environment,”
— Saad Ehtisham, president and CEO, Atlantic Health

Englewood Health

Englewood Hospital once again received an A Hospital Safety Grade, marking the 26th time the hospital has achieved this top rating.

“Earning an ‘A’ once is an achievement—earning it 26 times is a reflection of who we are. Patient safety isn’t a priority that shifts—it’s our standard. It shows up in every decision we make, every process we refine, and every patient we care for.”
—Kathleen Kaminsky, senior vice president of patient care services and
chief nursing officer, Englewood Health

Hackensack Meridian Health

Six Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals earned an A grade in this Spring 2026 assessment.

Additionally, Hackensack University Medical Center and Bayshore Medical Center earned the Straight A designation, after receiving an A in at least five consecutive cycles of the Hospital Safety Grade. HMH’s other A-rated hospitals include:

• Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center

“Year after year, our world-class team members demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of patient safety. That dedication drives our team to transform healthcare with quality at the center of everything we do. This recognition from The Leapfrog Group reaffirms the impact of our work and strengthens our commitment to raising the bar for quality and safety in New Jersey and beyond.”
—Robert Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health

Holy Name

Holy Name received an A Hospital Safety Grade for the fifth consecutive time by The Leapfrog Group, making it a Straight A hospital.

“We are proud that The Leapfrog Group has recognized our commitment to patient safety by awarding Holy Name with its fifth consecutive ‘A’ Grade. We are continually identifying processes that deliver the highest standard of patient safety, using advanced technologies for hygiene, and training our staff to provide excellent, proactive care.”
—Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Holy Name

RWJBarnabas Health

All 12 of RWJBarnabas Health’s acute care hospitals received high marks for patient safety in the latest Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades: six earned an A while the rest earned a B grade from The Leapfrog Group. RWJBH A-graded hospitals include:

• Community Medical Center in Toms River
• Jersey City Medical Center
• Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch
•  Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth.

“Our continued focus and prioritization of patient safety and quality is reflected in these results. We are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered, high-quality care that sets the standard for academic medical care in New Jersey.”
—Dr. Andy Anderson, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer, RWJBarnabas Health

St. Joseph’s Health

Both St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center again earned As for the Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Score. The latter also earned distinction as a Straight A hospital.

“Our patients are at the center of everything we do. The scores reflect St. Joseph’s rigorous commitment to excellence from our entire team and the safe, expert care provided by our physicians, nurses and staff.”
— Dr. Dustin Riccio, president and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health

Saint Michael’s Medical Center

Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, a member of Prime Healthcare, earned designation as a Straight A hospital.

“Five straight ‘A’ grades reflect a culture where patient safety comes first, always. Our team is relentless about delivering safe, high-quality care, and we’re proud to see that commitment recognized by The Leapfrog Group.”
—Dr. Alan Sickles, CEO, Saint Michael’s Medical Center