NJ hospital leaders react to Fall 2025 Leapfrog safety grades (updated)

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New Jersey hospitals maintained a stellar showing in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

The Garden State placed third nationwide for facility safety, according to last week’s release from the Leapfrog Group. New Jersey also holds distinction as the only state with full participation from its acute care hospitals.

In the wake of the new marks, hospital and health care system leaders are celebrating their success.

Keep reading for non-exhaustive insights from around the state, as well as the full New Jersey report card.

Englewood Hospital said it earned its 25th A grade from Leapfrog in the Fall 2025 report.

“Reaching 25 ‘A’ grades is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the consistency, skill, and dedication of our entire team,” said Kathleen Kaminsky, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “Patient safety is built into everything we do, every day—it’s part of who we are as an organization.” 

Meanwhile, eight Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals earned an A from the Leapfrog Group. The total is the most for a single network in the state. Additionally, HMH had three “Straight A” facilities — meaning they earned the mark for five-straight assessments.

“Quality is in our DNA. This achievement from Leapfrog underscores the dedication of our world-class team to redefine healthcare and advance the highest standards of safety and quality,” said HMH Chief Executive Officer Robert Garrett. “We’re changing the way health care is delivered by expanding access to innovative, patient-centered care that meets people where they are.”

“Every decision we make for the network is rooted in our commitment to deliver the safest care for each and every one of our patients,” said Dr. Jose Azar, executive vice president, chief quality officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “These results reflect the dedication of our team members and the tremendous efforts they make every day to keep our communities healthy and ensure every patient receives world-class care.”

RWJBarnabas Health followed HMH closely with seven A-rated hospitals in the state. Five more of the system’s facilities also earned Bs.

“Our commitment to quality and patient safety cannot be overstated, and these scores exemplify how RWJBarnabas Health continues to drive performance improvement across all our hospitals,” said Dr. Andy Anderson, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “Ensuring that every patient receives safe, compassionate, and high-quality care every day is our top priority.”

Both Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Trinitas Regional Medical Center improved their marks by a letter over the spring (to B and A, respectively).

This A rating was Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway’s ninth straight such mark and the sixth in a row for both Community Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital earned its fourth straight A grade.

“In this ever-evolving health care landscape, we recognize that patients and families have choices. We are grateful that The Leapfrog Group offers credible rankings so that those in need of services have access to data and are able to make more informed decisions about where to seek care,” said Leslie Hirsch, president and CEO, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “At Saint Peter’s, we pride ourselves on not only adhering to the highest safety standards but exceeding them every day.

“Congratulations to our team for once again achieving the highest hospital safety grade (A) and reassuring our patients and community that they are in the best hands.”

Holy Name also earned its fourth consecutive A in the fall assessment.

“Ensuring safety and delivering quality care are at the core of everything we do,” said Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, Holy Name’s executive vice president and chief medical officer. “From staff training to patient protocols, we are focused on protecting our patients and supporting their recovery in the safest environment possible.”

Lehigh Valley-based St. Luke’s University Health Network had 11 campuses earn A grades, including the Warren spot in Phillipsburg.

St. Joseph’s Health recorded A marks at both St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center. It is the third consecutive top grade for the latter and the second for the former.

“Our patients are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Dustin Riccio, president and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health. “The scores reflect St. Joseph’s rigorous commitment to excellence from our entire team and the excellent care provided by our physicians, nurses and staff.”

In South Jersey, Virtua Health earned As (Martlon, Vorhees) and Bs (Mount Holly, Our Lady of Lourdes, Willingboro) across its five hospitals.

“At Virtua, our dedicated professionals place the safety of every patient and team member at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Jennifer Khelil, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Virtua Health. “The Leapfrog Safety Grades offer valuable insights that help us continually elevate the quality of care we provide.”

Atlantic Health had four medical centers earn top marks. Morristown Medical Center has maintained its A since Fall 2015, while Overlook Medical Center has been a consistent A since Spring 2021. Meanwhile, Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center improved its mark to a B in the latest.

“Atlantic Heath’s unwavering commitment to quality and safety is our promise to patients, and we are proud to see it reflected in this national recognition,” said Saad Ehtisham, president and CEO, Atlantic Health. “Thank you to every physician, nurse, caregiver, and team member across our system, who each play an integral role in creating healing environments where patient wellbeing is always the top priority.”

Check out the full New Jersey Fall 2025 Leapfrog Safety Grades below.

Spring marks are included for those facilities that had changes from that previous cycle.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:54 p.m. EST on Nov. 19, 2025, to include additional information about and remarks from Atlantic Health.