Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center and Sutter Solano Medical Center are the only hospitals in Solano County to receive an “A” grade for patient safety, according to the Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2025 Safety Grade report. This national nonprofit organization evaluates hospitals across the United States based on their effectiveness in preventing medical errors, injuries, and infections.
The Leapfrog Group assigns ratings ranging from “A” to “F” to nearly 3,000 hospitals, highlighting their ability to protect patients from largely preventable issues. These problems affect one in four hospital inpatients and can lead to as many as 250,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Kaiser Permanente in Vacaville maintained its prestigious “A” grade, echoing its earlier rating from the Spring 2025 report. In total, 11 Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California achieved “A” grades, including those located in Fresno, Manteca, Modesto, Redwood City, Roseville, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, South Sacramento, and South San Francisco. In contrast, Kaiser’s Vallejo facility received a “B” grade in the latest assessment.
Darryl Curry, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Napa Solano area, emphasized the organization’s commitment to patient safety: “We are guided by an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of every patient we serve. It drives our decisions and shapes the care we provide every day.”
The Leapfrog Group evaluates hospitals based on approximately two dozen measures related to patient safety. Eric Au, MD, physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente’s Napa Solano area, expressed pride in the team’s dedication: “We are proud of our physicians, nurses, and staff for their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety. We will never stop focusing on the safety, care, and well-being of our patients.”
Sutter Solano Medical Center also celebrated its “A” grade. Cami Bushey, chief nurse executive at Sutter Solano, remarked, “Earning an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group is a proud moment for our entire team. This recognition reflects the dedication of every caregiver and staff member who puts patient safety at the center of everything we do.”
In contrast, NorthBay Health experienced a decline in ratings for both of its local hospitals. NorthBay Health VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville and NorthBay Health Medical Center in Fairfield both received “C” ratings in the Fall 2025 report, a drop from their previous “B” grades and “A” ratings from the last year.
Despite the decline, NorthBay Health officials assured patients that their hospitals remain safe. “While our most recent Leapfrog score decreased, NorthBay Health Medical Center and NorthBay VacaValley Hospital remain safe, reliable places for care,” they stated. The organization noted that the rating reflects data from prior reporting periods and mentioned ongoing improvements that are not yet reflected in the current cycle.
The Leapfrog Group, which has been assessing hospital safety for over 25 years, utilizes publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. The organization collaborates with national health care entities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, emphasized the importance of transparency in healthcare: “The Safety Grade has been a cornerstone of that effort.”
As hospitals navigate the complexities of patient care, the recent ratings provide an essential resource for patients and families making informed healthcare decisions.
