Image courtesy of Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH).
Hospital recognized among 381 nationwide for top rating based on patient feedback
SANTA BARBARA — Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) has received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for hospital environment cleanliness, the highest rating available for this patient experience measure.
GVCH was among 381 hospitals nationwide receiving the five-star cleanliness rating and one of 19 hospitals in California included on the list.
The rating is based on patient responses to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which measures patients’ experiences with different aspects of their hospital care. The results included in the latest CMS data reflect surveys completed between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
“This recognition reflects the commitment of our Environmental Services team and staff throughout Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital who work every day to create a welcoming and well-maintained environment for our patients and families,” said Nick Henderson, Vice President of Support Services and Construction. “We are especially proud that this recognition is based on feedback directly from our patients.”
Maintaining a clean hospital environment is an important part of providing patients and families with a safe, comfortable and positive experience throughout their care.
CMS publishes HCAHPS star ratings to help patients and families compare hospitals based on their experiences. Cleanliness of the hospital environment is one of the individual measures included in the HCAHPS star-rating program.
About Cottage Health | CottageHealth.org
Cottage Health is a not-for-profit health system providing advanced medical care on California’s Central Coast. In the past year, its hospitals in Goleta, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley cared for 20,833 inpatient admissions, 93,281 emergency department visits and 1,971 newborn deliveries. With more than 700 physicians, including specialists typically found only at university medical centers, Cottage offers expert, comprehensive care. As a teaching institution, it trains physicians through residency programs in medical, surgical, pediatric and radiology specialties. Cottage Health is home to the Central Coast’s only Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center and an advanced comprehensive stroke center. Its specialty services include Cottage Children’s Medical Center, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, the Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute, Cottage Heart & Vascular Center and Cottage Center for Orthopedics. Beyond its hospitals, Cottage expands care through primary and specialty clinics, urgent care centers and 24/7 provider access via Cottage Virtual Care.