Blessing Hospital recognized nationally with grade of ‘A’ from Leapfrog Group for patient safety

QUINCY — For the seventh consecutive survey period, an independent national healthcare watchdog organization has given Blessing Hospital a grade of ‘A’ for patient safety.

The Leapfrog Group assigns a letter grade of A through F to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. Grades are updated in the fall and spring. Typically, only one-third of hospitals surveyed receive an ‘A’ grade.

Blessing is the region’s only hospital to hold this rating. The only other hospitals within 100 miles to hold a grade ‘A’ are in St. Louis, Kirksville and Moberly, Mo.

In a press release, Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said, “Earning an ‘A’ grade means Blessing Hospital made a true commitment to put patients first. We congratulate the leadership, board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

“Patient safety requires the best processes be in place for every caregiver to follow consistently,” said Mary Frances Barthel, chief quality and safety officer for Blessing Health. “The continuing recognition from The Leapfrog Group tells us Blessing Hospital has national-level patient safety processes in place and our skilled providers and caregivers are following them every day, on every shift, around the clock. It is a level of care and commitment that patients deserve and should expect from their provider.”

Among its national-level safety processes is one that helps caregivers more quickly identify the potentially fatal infection known as sepsis. Blessing Hospital also recently earned certification in the ISO-9001 Quality Management System. ISO 9001 is the most widely-accepted quality management system in use around the world, and is quickly gaining acceptance among US healthcare providers as a foundation for quality and patient safety programs.

Blessing also holds certification as a healthcare provider from DNV, a global, independent, certification provider.

The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for patient safety improvements, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the information needed to make informed decisions.  To see Blessing Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.