Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
NEW ORLEANS – Showcasing dedication to excellence and patient safety, numerous Ochsner Health hospitals earned an “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization. Leapfrog assigns grades to hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of patient safety focused exclusively on errors, accidents, injuries and infections.
“We are incredibly proud to achieve an ‘A’ grade across multiple Ochsner hospitals, a recognition that reflects the unwavering dedication, skill and compassion of our teams,” said Robert Hart, MD, chief physician executive, Ochsner Health. “This is a testament to their tireless efforts and commitment to safety and excellence in patient care. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and the trust they inspire every day in our communities.”
The following Ochsner Health hospitals and partners received an “A” grade from Leapfrog for Fall 2025:
Ochsner LSU Health - St. Mary Medical Center
“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Ochsner Health 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 Ochsner’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES FOR MEDIA FROM REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
Kim Ellender, CEO, St. Bernard Parish Hospital
“This honor is a direct result of our team’s relentless commitment to safety, compassion, and quality care. Every team member plays a vital role in protecting the health of our patients and strengthening our community. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards so our patients and families can feel confident in the care they receive.”
Patrick Gandy, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General
“These recognitions reflect the dedication our teams bring to patient safety every day. Our focus is always on delivering the highest-quality care to every person who comes through our doors.”
Fernis LeBlanc, CEO, Ochsner Bayou Region
“Receiving an ‘A’ hospital safety grade reflects the determination and teamwork that define Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center. Our staff remains committed to delivering care you can trust while always striving to raise the bar for patient safety. This achievement belongs to every team member whose dedication inspires confidence and strengthens the health of our community.”
Mark Randolph, CEO of Ochsner LSU Health Monroe
“This accomplishment highlights the dedication, skill and teamwork of everyone at Monroe Medical Center. Earning an ‘A’ grade reflects not only our commitment to providing quality care, but also our passion for the communities we serve. It demonstrates what we can achieve together, always keeping the well-being of our patients and neighbors at the center of our efforts.”
Riley Waddell, CEO of Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center
“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our entire team at St. Mary Medical Center to providing the highest standard of care for every patient who walks through our doors. Earning an ‘A’ hospital safety grade is a testament to the hard work, collaboration and commitment of our team members, clinicians and leadership to prioritize patient safety and deliver exceptional care to our community.”
Jennifer Wise, chief nursing officer and administrator, Ochsner St. Mary
“Earning an ‘A’ grade is a tremendous honor that speaks directly to the dedication, expertise and compassion of our team at Ochsner St. Mary. Our team members work tirelessly every day to uphold the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence. Their commitment builds lasting trust with our community, and I am grateful to serve alongside such remarkable colleagues.”
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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.
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through unmatched expertise, quality, and digital connectivity. In 2024, Ochsner’s more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians cared for 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.