U.S. News and World Report has recognized the quality of care at Sacred Heart Pensacola and St. Vincent’s Riverside, Southside and Clay County in its 2025-2026 Best Hospital Rankings. These rankings are published annually to help patients across the country make important healthcare decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. This is the second year in a row that all four hospitals have earned this designation.
St. Vincent’s Riverside was named a Best Regional Hospital, the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of the ratings. The hospital is recognized for its high performance in 11 different procedures and conditions. They include abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, congestive heart failure, diabetes, heart arrhythmia, heart bypass surgery, kidney failure, knee replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, spinal fusion and stroke.
Sacred Heart Pensacola was also named a Best Regional Hospital, recognized for its high performance in nine different procedures and conditions. They include abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, gynecological cancer, heart attack, hip replacement, knee replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, pacemaker implantation and maternity care (uncomplicated pregnancy).
St. Vincent’s Southside and Clay County were named High Performing Hospitals, indicating that they placed in the top 10% for a specialty or achieved the highest possible rating for a common procedure or condition. Southside was recognized for its high performance for heart attack, hip replacement, knee replacement and spinal fusion. Clay County was recognized for its high performance for COPD, diabetes and pneumonia.
“We are grateful for physicians, care teams and associates who start each day with safety, empathy and patient well-being top of mind,” said Dr. Syed Jafri, Chief Clinical Officer of Ascension Florida. “Their dedication and hard work are the driving force behind these achievements.”
U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only one third of them earned an award. To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care.
“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder at U.S. News. “Hospitals designated as ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News demonstrate a consistent ability to provide excellent care for particular medical procedures and conditions, showcasing their specialized expertise as well as dedication to exceptional patient outcomes.”
