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Beaufort Memorial Earns Top Hospital Ranking

Published August 20, 2026 at 5:07 pm | By Lilia Norman, Staff Reporter

Beaufort Memorial Earns Top Hospital Ranking

Beaufort Memorial has been recognized as a leading hospital in South Carolina, according to Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals by State rankings. This distinction highlights the community health system’s dedication to providing high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the Lowcountry region.

The rankings, which were published on July 14, are based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This data evaluates hospitals across several key areas, including patient outcomes, adherence to best practices, overall value, and patient experience. Beaufort Memorial was one of only three hospitals in South Carolina to achieve a 5-star overall rating from CMS, placing it among the state’s highest-performing healthcare organizations.

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Russell Baxley, President and CEO of Beaufort Memorial, stated that this recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of the hospital’s physicians, nurses, clinical teams, and support staff. He emphasized their daily efforts to deliver exceptional care to patients and the community, noting that the Forbes recognition reinforces their commitment to quality, safety, and providing the best possible patient experience.

Beaufort Memorial’s inclusion in these rankings underscores its ongoing focus on clinical excellence, improving patient outcomes, and broadening access to care. This is achieved through investments in advanced technology, specialized services, and innovative programs designed to address the evolving healthcare needs of the region. Baxley also mentioned that as Beaufort Memorial continues to expand, with plans to open a second hospital in Bluffton early next year, the commitment to exceptional care and expanded access across the Lowcountry remains steadfast. He affirmed that the hospital’s mission is rooted in serving the region, aiming to bring nationally recognized care closer to home for patients.

What's Happening
What recognition did Beaufort Memorial receive?
Beaufort Memorial was named one of South Carolina’s top hospitals in Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals by State rankings, recognizing its commitment to high-quality care.
What criteria were used for the hospital rankings?
The rankings were based on CMS data evaluating hospitals on patient outcomes, best practices, value, and patient experience, with Beaufort Memorial receiving a 5-star overall rating.
What does this recognition mean for Beaufort Memorial?
The recognition reinforces Beaufort Memorial's commitment to quality, safety, and delivering the best possible patient experience, as stated by President and CEO Russell Baxley.
Lilia Norman
HERE Beaufort · BUSINESS

Lilia is a staff reporter for HERE Beaufort covering local news, community stories, and developments across Beaufort County. Lilia is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.

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