Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center has solidified its reputation as a leader in healthcare, achieving recognition across multiple domains. From milestones in women’s and children’s care to meeting benchmarks in patient safety, the hospital’s recent accolades reflect a commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing medical excellence.
Patient safety is the foundation of quality care, and St. Mary Medical Center has earned national accolades for its programs. This year, the hospital received its third straight Hospital Safety Grade A from The Leapfrog Group. This grade signifies not only compliance with rigorous safety standards but also a relentless pursuit of operational improvements designed to protect patients and improve outcomes.
For physicians, the Leapfrog recognition underscores the hospital’s dedication to preserving trust and prioritizing the well-being of every individual who walks through its doors. This honor serves as a clear testament to a systematic approach to safety.
Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center has also distinguished itself as a leader in maternal and pediatric health. The institution was awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care, a designation shared by only a select group of hospitals nationwide. This recognition celebrates the exceptional coordination of care, evidence-based practices and patient education efforts that span from prenatal to postnatal services.
Additionally, the hospital was named a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. This accolade highlights excellence in areas such as C-section rates, breastfeeding support and timely intervention to prevent complications. For expecting parents, “High Performing” status signals a trusted destination for some of life’s most pivotal moments.
Along with achieving Birth Ready+ designation from the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, these recognitions reflect a tireless commitment to addressing complex maternal challenges, supporting healthier beginnings for both mothers and newborns and influencing perinatal care standards at the state and national levels.
Children’s health remains a critical focus at Ochsner LSU Health and the St. Mary Medical Center PICU recently earned the Silver-Level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). The award recognizes exceptional clinical outcomes, patient and family engagement and a culture of collaboration among nursing and medical teams. This acknowledgment places the PICU among the nation’s top programs and reinforces St. Mary Medical Center’s ability to address even the most critical pediatric cases with precision and compassion.
Each of these achievements is more than an individual milestone; together, they represent a collective effort to redefine healthcare for the community. By holding itself to the highest standards, Ochsner LSU Health is not only enhancing patient care but also fostering a culture of leadership and innovation. The hospital’s accomplishments highlight an environment where safety, expertise and outcomes take precedence, exemplifying the organization’s core value of “Patients First.”