Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital Recognized for Patient Safety

Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital earned the the highest possible grade—an "A"—for its patient safety in a recent rating of more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide from The Leapfrog Group, according to a news release from Adventist La Grange. 

The hospital's safety score is based on the levels of infections, injuries and medical and medication errors, according to the release. Of the 2,539 general hospitals issued a Hospital Safety Score, 813 earned an “A,” 661 earned a “B,” 893 earned a “C,” 150 earned a “D” and 22 earned an “F.”

Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital has undertaken several programs focusing on patient safety, with an annual safety survey taken by staff, improved hand hygiene and better communication with patients and their 

First, it has identified ways to improve safety through an annual safety survey taken by hospital staff, said Cindy Dougherty, assistant vice president of quality and patient safety at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital.

One area it has focused on is proper hand hygiene, making sure everyone keeps their hands clean while caring for patients at the hospital, to reduce the possibility of spreading germs.

Adventist has also worked on making sure patients and their families have the information they need to understand their care, specifically for patients on ventilators, according to the release. 

Hospital administration meets every weekday to discuss all safety issues and possible risks. These "safety huddles" are designed to heighten awareness about safety and resolve any problems that might arise in a timely manner.

Staff has also received training on the importance of establishing a culture of safety.

“Safety is a key component to providing quality care,” said Lary Davis, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital’s chief executive officer. “If we fail to keep our patients safe, then no other care we provide measures up. We always look for new ways to improve safety at our hospital.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent, national not-for-profit organization of employer purchasers of health care and the nation’s leading experts on patient safety that administers the Hospital Safety Score.

“A number of hospitals have improved by one or even two grades, indicating hospitals are taking steps toward safer practices, but these efforts aren’t enough,” says Leah Binder, president and CEO of Leapfrog. “During this time of rapid health care transformation, it’s vital that we work together to arm patients with the information they need and tell doctors and hospitals that the time for change is now.” 

For more information, go to http://www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Information courtesy of a news release from Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital.