Excellence Recognized Across Adventist Health in Kern County

Excellence in healthcare is measured in many ways — from the safety and quality of care patients receive to the trust that communities place in their healthcare providers. Across Kern County, Adventist Health hospitals, medical offices, and pharmacies are being recognized for both.

This spring, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield, and Adventist Health Delano earned prestigious “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, while several Adventist Health services and providers were also honored in the 2026 Best of Kern County Readers’ Choice Poll. Together, these recognitions reflect a shared commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care across the region.

For the second consecutive grading period, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield, and Adventist Health Delano received the highest “A” safety grade — a national distinction recognizing hospitals that excel in preventing medical errors, infections and patient harm. The grades are awarded by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit watchdog organization focused exclusively on patient safety.

“Maintaining an ‘A’ grade requires strong collaboration across our teams and a deep commitment to meeting rigorous safety and quality measures,” said Ghassan Jamaleddine, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Adventist Health Central California Network. “Protecting our patients from injury, accidents, and infections is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to continuing that level of excellence across our hospitals.”

That same dedication to excellence was also recognized by the community through the 2026 Best of Kern County Readers’ Choice Poll, hosted annually by The Bakersfield Californian and Bakersfield Life.

Among the top honors:

• Adventist Health Bakersfield was named “Best Hospital”
• Adventist Health Delano Family Pharmacy earned “Best Medical Supply/Pharmacy”
• Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield was recognized as a “Favorite” hospital
• Multiple Adventist Health physicians, programs, and services were also recognized across categories including oncology, hospice care, physical therapy, workforce development, and nonprofit events

The Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center received several notable honors, including recognition for its oncology team and community impact. The accolades come during a significant time of growth for cancer services in Kern County, as the AIS Cancer Center continues expanding through the addition of the Advanced Care Pavilion, expected to open in the summer of 2026.

“On behalf of our entire team, I want to thank our friends and neighbors in Kern County for placing their trust in Adventist Health,” said Jason Wells, president of Adventist Health Central California Network. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the very community we are privileged to serve.”

From nationally recognized patient safety standards to community-voted awards, these honors highlight the continued efforts of Adventist Health teams across Kern County to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home.