BY BC NEWS STAFF WRITER
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC – The Leapfrog Group released its Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades today, May 6, offering a comprehensive look at how regional medical facilities perform in protecting patients from preventable harm. The report covers hospitals across Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Horry counties, revealing a landscape of both consistent excellence and persistent challenges.
Novant Health: A Tale of Two Facilities
Novant Health saw a split in its regional performance this cycle. Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center maintained its status as a top-tier facility, earning another “A” grade. The hospital was recognized for its “Straight A” designation, a feat achieved by only 15% of hospitals nationwide that have maintained the top grade for at least five consecutive cycles.
In contrast, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington received a “C” grade, continuing a trend from the Fall 2025 cycle. While the facility earned high marks for its structural safety systems—including ICU physician staffing and safety leadership—the grade remains weighed down by patient outcome data, specifically regarding higher-than-average infection rates for C. diff.
Columbus Regional Maintains “C” Rating
In Whiteville, Columbus Regional Healthcare System held steady with a “C” grade. Detailed scoring shows the hospital has mastered several operational safety standards, earning a perfect 120/120 for handwashing protocols and staff collaboration to prevent errors. However, similar to NHRMC, the facility faces ongoing challenges in clinical outcomes that prevent it from climbing into the higher grade tiers.
South Carolina Hospitals Shine in National Rankings
Across the state line, Horry County facilities contributed to South Carolina’s impressive No. 3 national ranking for patient safety. More than 51% of South Carolina hospitals earned an “A” this spring.
- Conway Medical Center (CMC): Earned an “A” grade. CMC leadership noted the score as independent confirmation of their clinical discipline and commitment to evidence-based practice.
- McLeod Health Seacoast: The Little River facility also secured an “A” grade, bolstered by perfect scores in error prevention and high nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Grand Strand Medical Center: Received a “B” grade, performing well in complex surgical safety but seeing room for improvement in patient experience scores.
- Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital: Located in Murrells Inlet, the hospital earned a “B”, with notable success in preventing blood infections.
A Closer Look at Dosher Memorial Hospital
While Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport does not receive a Leapfrog letter grade due to its status as a smaller community hospital, federal data highlights its high performance in other areas. According to the latest CMS (Medicare) Star Ratings, Dosher holds a 4-star rating, outpacing national averages.
Dosher consistently outperforms state averages in patient experience. According to Medicare’s “Care Compare” data, 90% of patients reported that their doctors communicated well, and the hospital scored significantly higher than North Carolina averages for nurse responsiveness, cleanliness, and quietness.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.
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