Two Keck Medicine of USC Hospitals Earn Spring 2026 “A” Safety Grades

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (Photo – uscvhh.org)

Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital have each earned a coveted Spring 2026 “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, marking another major achievement for the two institutions within Keck Medicine of USC.

By News Desk

“This is the second time the health system has received two ‘A’s simultaneously, which is a huge accomplishment,” said Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine. He noted that Leapfrog’s rigorous standards place both hospitals “among the safest in the country.”

The recognition continues a strong performance streak: both hospitals also received “A” grades in Fall 2025.

Keck Hospital, a 343-bed acute care facility known for its specialized services, has now earned 12 “A” grades since 2019. Marty Sargeant, CEO of Keck Medical Center of USC, credited the milestone to the system’s commitment to excellence. “Such an achievement is a reflection of our commitment to pursuing the highest possible standards of care and is a testament to our staff’s tireless dedication,” he said.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, a 158-bed community hospital serving Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge and the Foothill communities, received its third “A” grade in recent years. CEO Armand Dorian emphasized the team’s focus on safety. “We are proud that our hard work maximizing safety standards has resulted in yet another top grade,” he said. “This distinction recognizes the commitment shared by every care provider at the hospital to put patient safety first.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit, assigns letter grades from A to F to general hospitals nationwide based on performance in preventing avoidable harm. The peer‑reviewed grading system is fully transparent and publicly available, with updates released twice a year in the fall and spring.