Since July 2011, when Skillings [became] CEO and president, Mid Coast Hospital has consistently earned straight As for patient safety (the highest score possible) in the Leapfrog Group's twice-a-year national and state rankings. It also has earned the gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission, an independent nonprofit that has been evaluating hospitals for safety and quality of care for more than 50 years, after being named one of 11 “Top Performer” Maine hospitals by the commission in 2012. And, in its most recent recognition, U.S. News & World Report recognized Mid Coast Hospital in July as a “Best Regional Hospital” for 2015-16 — making it one of 137 hospitals nationwide and just two in Maine (the other being Maine Medical Center in Portland) recognized in the magazine's 26th annual “best hospitals” list.