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Exterior front view of Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center

Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center

1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hospital

Hospital

Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center has cared for San Luis Obispo County families for more than 75 years. We’re honored to hold California’s only five-star CMS rating and 29 straight “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group. In 2025, we also received the Environmental Excellence Award. 

Our advanced technology and services include:

Through Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, you also have access to primary care providers and specialists who work closely with our hospital to keep your care connected.

Patients and visitors

Families throughout San Luis Obispo County trust us to provide comfort, safety and compassionate care. Our family-friendly campus offers welcoming spaces, as well as spiritual services and language and interpretation assistance, to make every visit and recovery easier.

More patient and visitor resources

Billing and insurance

We’re committed to providing high-quality care for the communities we serve. Whether you need cost estimates or information about accepted insurance plans, we’re here to make the process simple and reassuring.

More billing and finance information Estimate costs

Frequently asked questions

Visitors are a valued part of our patients’ care team, and your safety is important to us. We welcome loved ones between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In most areas (including labor and delivery), patients may have up to two visitors at a time, ages 12 or older. For end-of-life situations, visitor needs will be considered with compassion on a case-by-case basis. Please wash your hands often and avoid visiting if you’re sick.

Find more helpful visitor information

To make your stay comfortable, please bring:

  • List of your medications and supplements

  • Sleepwear or a robe (a hospital gown is provided if you prefer)

  • Insurance cards and ID 

  • Any necessary doctor’s orders 

  • Protective cases for glasses, hearing aids or dentures

We ask that you avoid bringing valuables. For safety, all medications will be dispensed by our pharmacy; personal medications are not allowed at the bedside. Explore our visitor information page for more guidelines or call (844) 543-5353 for more information.

Preparing for a hospital visit can feel overwhelming, but preregistering helps make the process easier. By providing your information ahead of time, you’ll save time and reduce stress on the day of your appointment or admission. While we don’t yet offer online preregistration, our admitting team is here to help:

Please have these items with you when you call:

  • Your insurance identification card

  • Procedure date and time, or expected delivery date

  • Type of procedure (such as knee replacement or hernia repair surgery)

  • Personal contact information

  • OB provider (for maternity patients)

Volunteers are the heart of French Hospital Medical Center, bringing compassion, skills and dedication to support patients, visitors and staff. Nearly 200 volunteers help across the hospital in roles such as front desk reception, cancer resource support, escort services and office assistance. Benefits include making a difference, learning new skills and forming friendships. Volunteers must be dependable, in good health and commit to at least four hours weekly. Youth volunteers may serve from age 16 with a two-hour minimum. 

Interested in volunteering? Call (805) 542-6240 for information or pick up a volunteer application at the front lobby desk. For more information, visit our volunteer page.

Explore volunteer opportunities and requirements

We support the health of all patients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. In addition, we understand the unique health needs of the LGBTQ community, and we work hard to ensure that patients receive quality, inclusive, culturally competent care. In 2024, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized us in their 2024 Healthcare Equality Index for the compassionate care we provide.

2024 Healthcare Equality Index

Classes and events

Cancer support groups

Connect, learn and find strength in our cancer support groups. Email us for details.

Healthier living workshops

Learn about health and nutrition in our free bilingual wellness workshops. Call (805) 786-6183 for details.

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