Sanford Fargo and Sanford Bismarck named top hospitals
Sept. 9, 2026
Contact:
Nathan Aamodt & Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080 & 701-516-4903/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org & chelsey.kralicek@sanfordhealth.org
FARGO, N.D. and BISMARCK, N.D. – Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Sanford Bismarck Medical Center and have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 Great Hospitals in America list, recognizing the nation’s leading hospitals for clinical excellence, patient outcomes, innovation and commitment to quality care.
The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on analysis of rankings and awards from leading organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Leapfrog Group.
“We are honored to be named one of the top hospitals in America. This recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional leadership team, clinicians, nurses and support staff who help bring world-class health care close to home,” said Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Fargo president and CEO. “We take great pride in being there when our patients need us most. By investing in the latest medical technologies and innovative treatments, we are strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional patient outcomes. Our patients’ health and safety are always our top priority.”
Hospitals recognized on the list are noted for their strong clinical performance, patient safety achievements and ongoing investments in innovation, research and education. The recognition highlights organizations that consistently deliver outstanding patient experiences and high-quality outcomes.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff who deliver exceptional care every day,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “Being named among the top hospitals in the country is a testament to our team’s dedication to quality, safety and improving the health of the patients and communities we serve.”
Sanford Medical Center Fargo is home to North Dakota’s only Level I Adult Trauma Center, Level II Pediatric Trauma Center and blood and bone marrow transplant program. The hospital also serves as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Sanford Bismarck Medical Center continues to expand specialty and advanced care services across western North Dakota, providing patients access to complex care close to home while serving as a regional referral center for the communities it serves.
Both Medical Centers have earned Magnet designation, the highest national recognition for nursing excellence and quality patient care.
Becker’s Hospital Review also named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls to its 2026 Great Hospitals in America list, placing all three Sanford hospitals among a distinguished group of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations, academic medical centers and health systems.
The list of Becker’s 100 Great Hospitals in America can be found here.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
