In a landmark achievement, St. Elizabeth Edgewood has been named the No. 1 hospital in Greater Cincinnati and, for the second consecutive year, the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026–2027 Best Hospitals rankings. The historic dual distinction places a Northern Kentucky-based health system at the forefront of healthcare excellence across the Commonwealth and the Greater Cincinnati region.
Established in 1861, St. Elizabeth was founded with a singular mission: to serve the healthcare needs of its community. Today, it stands as a nationally acclaimed health system caring for thousands of patients each year, driven by the same unwavering commitment that inspired its founding more than 160 years ago.
“This is a breakthrough moment for St. Elizabeth and the communities we are privileged to serve,” said Garren Colvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “To be recognized as the No. 1 hospital system in Kentucky for a second consecutive year, and now as No. 1 in Greater Cincinnati, reflects the extraordinary dedication of our team and the trust our patients place in us. It is a powerful reminder that nationally recognized care is available close to home. This achievement belongs to every provider, associate and volunteer whose skill, compassion and relentless commitment make exceptional care possible each and every day.”
The U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings are designed to help patients identify hospitals that deliver outstanding care. The 2026–2027 methodology places greater emphasis than ever on risk-adjusted patient outcomes, making St. Elizabeth’s achievement a powerful reflection of measurable clinical performance and the quality of care delivered across the system.
The recognition extends across an extraordinary breadth of care. St. Elizabeth Edgewood is rated High Performing in 21 of 24 evaluated categories—from heart failure and stroke to lung cancer surgery, joint replacement and advanced cardiac procedures—demonstrating excellence across the moments when patients and families need it most. When data is analyzed nationwide, St. Elizabeth Edgewood is ranked No.48 overall in the country.
“Our vision is to lead the communities we serve to be among the healthiest in the nation, and this recognition shows what is possible when innovation, clinical excellence and humanity come together,” said Dr. James Horn, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “From world-renowned heart specialists to advanced cancer treatment and neonatal services, patients can access exceptional expertise and technology right here in our region. That level of care is what drives better outcomes and leads us to meet our vision.”
Together, these rankings mark more than a milestone. They affirm St. Elizabeth’s emergence as a destination for exceptional care—and underscore its promise to keep advancing the health of the region for generations to come.
For more information visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings
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