South OC Hospital Named Best In US, Per Study

LAGUNA HILLS, CA — A South Orange County hospital was named one of the best in the United States, according to new research released by Healthgrades.

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills was named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals for 2026, according to the report.

"We are incredibly proud to earn this national distinction, and it's crucial we keep this level of consistency for the community we serve," MemorialCare Chief Executive Officer Shela Kaneshiro told Patch. "We remain committed to strengthening performance measures and upholding the highest quality standards to give every patient the greatest opportunity for an excellent outcome."

The recognition puts the hospital in the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance for the fourth year in a row.

Saddleback Medical Center's achievement is based on patient outcomes, according to Healthgrades.

To determine the top hospitals for the new year, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at roughly 4,500 hospitals worldwide.

"This year's America’s Best Hospitals list gives patients a clearer picture of where high-quality care is delivered most consistently," said Alana Biggers, medical advisor at Healthgrades. "Patients can feel confident in their decision to seek care at Saddleback Medical Center, an organization that is setting the standard for clinical excellence nationwide."