US Virgin Islands hospitals score poorly on federal quality measures

Two major hospitals serving the U.S. Virgin Islands have earned low marks in a federal evaluation of healthcare quality released in August 2026.

Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center on St. Croix received a one-star rating, while Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas received two stars, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The five-star scale measures hospital performance on patient mortality, safety practices, readmission rates, patient experience and timeliness of care.

Among 3,203 hospitals assessed nationally in April 2026, approximately 6.4 percent earned one star and 20.9 percent earned two stars, placing both facilities in the lower tier of performers.

Juan F. Luis Hospital Results

The St. Croix facility submitted mortality data for four of eight available measures. One fell below national benchmarks, while the remaining three showed no statistically significant difference from national performance. None exceeded national standards.

For readmission and unplanned hospital visit measures, Juan F. Luis reported three of 11 possible metrics. One underperformed nationally; two matched national results. The federal dataset contained no comparable safety data for the hospital during the assessment period.

Schneider Hospital Results

Schneider reported identical mortality results to Juan F. Luis: one measure worse than national performance, three showing no significant difference.

Readmission performance presented a weaker picture. Of five readmission measures submitted, two fell below national standards while three matched them. On safety measures, Schneider reported two results: one exceeded national performance and one showed no significant difference.

Rebuilding Amid Operational Strain

Both hospitals are undertaking major reconstruction projects while managing staffing constraints and capacity pressures. Juan F. Luis is preparing to demolish and rebuild its main structure, scaled down from eight stories to five. Schneider is undergoing federally supported redevelopment, with an initial contract ceiling exceeding $207 million approved in August.

Staff shortages, delayed funding and bed availability challenges have affected both facilities. Schneider officials have previously noted medical personnel gaps and patients occupying beds pending other placements. Juan F. Luis staff have raised concerns regarding staffing levels, supply availability and workplace conditions.

Accreditation Separate From Federal Rating

The CMS ratings differ from hospital accreditation. Schneider achieved full accreditation from the Joint Commission in January, confirming compliance with national healthcare standards. This accreditation remains valid despite the two-star CMS rating, as the two assessments use different criteria and timeframes.

Neither hospital's CMS rating indicates violation of Medicare participation requirements or immediate certification risk. The federal measures reflect data collected in earlier periods and may not capture improvements implemented since.