Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earns multiple Healthgrades clinical excellence honors

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola has earned multiple distinctions in Healthgrades' 2027 hospital ratings, including a No. 2 ranking in Florida for spine surgery, recognition among America's 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care, and placement among America's 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and Spine Surgery.

The hospital also received the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year, along with national performance recognition across multiple specialties including orthopedic services, neurosciences, and cardiovascular procedures.

"These recognitions reflect the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and clinical teams to delivering quality care for patients across Northwest Florida," said Rick Metzger, president and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. "We are proud of the skill our teams bring to complex medical and surgical care and remain focused on providing safe, compassionate care to every patient we serve."

National Rankings and Distinctions

In the 2027 Healthgrades ratings, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earned the following national and state recognitions:

• Ranked No. 2 in Florida for Spine Surgery in 2027.
• Named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care in 2027.
• Named one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery for three consecutive years (2025-2027).
• Named one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery for two consecutive years (2026-2027).

"These recognitions highlight the work of our orthopedic, spine and neuroscience teams and the specialized care they provide to patients," said Brandon Nix, vice president of neuroscience and orthopedic service lines. "Our goal is to help patients in Northwest Florida access the expertise they need close to home."

National Performance Recognitions

The hospital earned additional distinctions for clinical performance in the following categories:

Top 5% in the nation

• Overall Orthopedic Services (2026-2027)
• Spine Surgery (2027)
• Surgical Care (2027)

Top 10% in the nation

• Treatment of Stroke (2026-2027)

Top 15% in the nation

• Coronary Interventional Procedures (2027)
• Vascular Surgery (2027)

Patient Safety

• Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award recognition for four consecutive years

13 Five-Star Distinctions Across Clinical Specialties

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earned 13 Five-Star Distinctions from Healthgrades in 2027 across cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neuroscience, gastrointestinal surgery, and critical care.

Cardiac and Vascular Care

• Coronary Interventional Procedures (2027)
• Defibrillator Procedures (four consecutive years, 2024-2027)
• Pacemaker Procedures (two consecutive years, 2026-2027)
• Repair of Abdominal Aorta (three consecutive years, 2025-2027)
• Peripheral Vascular Bypass (three consecutive years, 2025-2027)

Orthopedics and Neurosciences

• Total Knee Replacement (two consecutive years, 2026-2027)
• Hip Fracture Treatment (six consecutive years, 2022-2027)
• Spinal Fusion Surgery (two consecutive years, 2026-2027)
• Cranial Neurosurgery (four consecutive years, 2024-2027)
• Treatment of Stroke (six consecutive years, 2022-2027)

Gastrointestinal Care and Critical Care

• Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeries (2027)
• Colorectal Surgeries (three consecutive years, 2025-2027)
• Treatment of Sepsis (four consecutive years, 2024-2027)