CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colorado, has been named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization. This award is regarded as one of the most competitive honors for hospitals and surgery centers in the United States, recognizing strong commitment to patient safety and quality.
The announcement was made ahead of Leapfrog’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on December 15. Josh Neff, President of Mercy Hospital, stated: “This recognition as a Leapfrog Top Rural Hospital is a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit and vigilance of the entire Mercy Hospital team. It highlights our collective success in upholding the highest standards of safety and quality, which directly translates into better outcomes and peace of mind for our patients and their families. This award isn’t just for us; it’s a shared victory for our community.”
More than 2,400 hospitals were considered for this year’s awards. Of these, 156 received distinctions across several categories: 15 Top Children’s Hospitals, 52 Top General Hospitals, 16 Top Rural Hospitals—including Mercy Hospital—and 73 Top Teaching Hospitals.
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said: “Mercy Hospital has distinguished itself through an unwavering focus on safety and quality, earning a place on this year’s list of Top Hospitals. This recognition reflects a culture of transparency and continuous improvement—one embraced by every member of the organization. We commend the entire team at Mercy Hospital for reaching this outstanding milestone.”
Hospitals eligible for the award must publicly report their performance through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and meet high standards set out in its methodology. Criteria include infection rates, maternity care practices, prevention of medication errors, among others.
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group assigns letter grades to hospitals based on patient safety records through its Hospital Safety Grade program. Grades are updated twice yearly to help consumers make informed decisions about hospital care.
A full list of institutions honored as 2025 Top Hospitals can be found at www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.
