How Sacred Heart Is Raising the Bar in Patient Care

A Miramar Beach hospital has earned top marks for patient safety from a nationally recognized watchdog organization.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a designation based on performance across more than 20 measures tied to preventable medical errors, infections, and patient injuries.

The grading system evaluates hospitals nationwide using data on both outcomes and the systems in place to prevent harm.

“This recognition by Leapfrog is an acknowledgment of our dedicated caregivers and their steadfast commitment to deliver safe, high-quality, and compassionate care,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.

Hospital leaders say the grade reflects ongoing efforts to improve safety through system-wide clinical priorities and continuous evaluation of care practices.

Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade is updated twice a year and is one of the most widely cited measures of hospital safety in the United States.

The Emerald Coast facility is part of the larger Ascension Sacred Heart network, which operates multiple hospitals and care sites across the region.

Officials say the recognition highlights the hospital’s continued focus on patient safety as it serves communities across Northwest Florida.

Across Okaloosa and Walton counties, hospital safety grades vary.

• Top performers locally:
  → Sacred Heart Emerald Coast (A)
  → Twin Cities Hospital (A)
• Middle tier:
  → North Okaloosa Medical Center (C)
• Unclear/mixed recent visibility:
  → Fort Walton-Destin Hospital (past A, but no clearly indexed current grade)