SARASOTA (Oct. 29, 2026) – Sarasota Memorial Hospital was again named one of Florida’s best in Newsweek’s national list of “Best-in-State” hospitals released today.
This year's rankings spotlight 800 leading hospitals from across the United States. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s flagship Sarasota hospital (SMH-Sarasota) was the only hospital in Southwest Florida recognized on the 2027 list, ranking among the top 10 of 30 Florida hospitals on Newsweek's list.
Compiled in collaboration with market research company Statista Inc., the Newsweek list ranks each state’s top hospitals based on four data sources:
- Hospital quality metrics (including mortality, safety, readmissions, timely and effective care)
- Hospital reputation and recommendations from independent medical professionals
- Patient experience data from Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys
- Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) and how that data is used to optimize care therapeutic decisions in real-time.
Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder said the Newsweek honor, alongside other national rankings and recognitions Sarasota Memorial continues to receive for quality, safety and clinical
excellence, reflect the dedication and commitment of Sarasota Memorial’s entire team.
"What makes me most proud is knowing what it takes to achieve these honors," Verinder said. "They reflect thousands of physicians, nurses and staff working together to do what's best for every patient, every day. Their work is the reason Sarasota Memorial continues to earn the trust of our community and recognition from organizations across the country."
In 2026, Sarasota Memorial’s national accolades include recognition as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Premier Inc./Modern Healthcare, multiple “Best Hospital” ratings from U.S. News & World Report, continuous 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, consecutive “A” safety grades from the Leapfrog Group, and recognition by Newsweek on its “World’s Best Hospitals” list, among others.
In today’s rankings, Newsweek noted the list provides patients with a comprehensive resource to support informed health care decisions.
“Access to high-quality health care often begins close to home, making local hospitals essential to the well-being of their communities,” Newsweek reported. “From emergency services to specialized treatment, these institutions provide critical care while addressing the unique needs of diverse populations. Evaluations of hospital performance help highlight organizations that excel in clinical quality, patient safety, patient experience and outcomes, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking care within their own state.”
The full list is available on Newsweek’s website: click here.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida's greatest breadth and depth of care, with about 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, 11,000 employees and 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County's largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice (and third under construction in North Port), freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and First Physician Group primary and specialty care practices. Founded in 1925, SMH's flagship Sarasota campus also is home to the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion and Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute. Both Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice have earned the highest 5-Star quality ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The SMH-Sarasota is the only Florida hospital - and one of just 11 in the nation -- to earn a perfect 5-Star rating from CMS every year since the federal rating program began in 2016.