National recognition, achievements in 8 programs show dedication to top patient care, outcomes
Special to The Island News
Beaufort Memorial has been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026-2027 Best Regional Hospital, with eight of its programs highlighted for delivering exceptional care in the Lowcountry.
For the 2026-2027 year, Beaufort Memorial ranks at No. 7 in the state among U.S. News’ latest “Best Regional Hospitals” edition, in a list of 505 best regional hospitals recognized nationwide.
“This recognition as a U.S. News ‘Best Regional Hospital’ is a tremendous honor,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said. “It reflects the unwavering commitment of our skilled, growing team to delivering high-quality care to our patients, their families and the Lowcountry community. Our patients can feel confident they are receiving not only compassionate, community-focused care at Beaufort Memorial, but care that delivers exceptional outcomes.”
In this annual study, U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. Only 16% of evaluated hospitals earned a “Best Hospitals” designation. Ten South Carolina hospitals and health systems landed on this list; Beaufort Memorial ranks beside large metropolitan systems such as MUSC Health, Prisma Health, McLeod and Roper in Charleston, Greenville and Columbia.
Beaufort Memorial was named a high-performing healthcare provider in the following areas of care:
- Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma;
- Colon cancer surgery;
- Heart arrhythmia; and …
- Diabetes.
Additionally, the organization’s orthopedic program was high-performing across the board in all four of its measured conditions and procedures of:
- Hip fracture;
- Back surgery (spinal fusion);
- Hip replacement; and …
- Knee replacement.
This achievement comes just weeks after Forbes named Beaufort Memorial one of only three South Carolina health systems to receive a five-star overall rating in its inaugural “Top Hospitals by State” rankings.
“We are proud to be recognized alongside some of the state’s largest health systems as we remain committed to serving our Lowcountry community,” Baxley said. “As we continue to grow and invest in innovative care, our focus remains the same: ensuring this region’s residents have access to nationally recognized healthcare services close to home.”