University Health earns its 6th Leapfrog Group “A” grade
For the sixth time in a row, University Health has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. The Safety Grade rates hospitals on the most fundamental aspects of patient care, including handwashing, entering prescriptions into a computer, and the presence of highly trained nurses.
“Maintaining a ‘straight A’ designation from The Leapfrog Group sends a clear message to our community that patients can trust the safety and quality of their care at University Health,” said University Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bryan Alsip.
“Our sixth consecutive Hospital Safety Grade of ‘A’ is a powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence,” Dr. Alsip said. “This reflects the daily dedication of our physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary care teams who consistently prioritize high-quality care for every patient we serve.”
Attention to safety details saves lives
According to The Leapfrog Group, more than 200,000 people die every year because of preventable medical errors. The nonprofit organization works to reduce mistakes through transparent reporting and encourages employers and community members to use their ratings to identify their community’s best facilities for health care.
Twice a year, The Leapfrog Group grades hospitals on up to 30 measures for patient safety, including preventable mistakes, problems with surgery, injuries, hospital-acquired infections and whether hospitals have practices in place to prevent errors.
They analyze how safely medication is administered, how staff communicate about care after discharge and whether infection prevention techniques like handwashing are effectively practiced.
Sustained achievement over time can be viewed online
“University Health deserves recognition for its unwavering focus on protecting patients and delivering safe care, earning an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for six consecutive cycles,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Sustaining this level of excellence over time shows a true, organization-wide commitment to making patient safety a top priority every single day.”
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, injuries and infections that can lead to harm or even death. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
To see University Health’s full grade details and to find essential patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
