Hospital receives top grade for patient safety.

Hospital receives top grade for patient safety. 

LUDINGTON — Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital received an “A” grade for patient safety in the new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, just announced by The Leapfrog Group, a national patient safety watchdog organization. The “A” ranking places Ludington Hospital among the safest hospitals in the United States.

“It’s very gratifying to see so much hard work by our physicians and clinical staff on patient safety and quality recognized by a respected national organization,” said Ludington internist Dr. Mary O’Callaghan, division chief for Spectrum Health Medical Group in the northwest region. “A wonderful achievement for everyone involved.”

Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital is one of 844 hospitals nationwide to receive Leapfrog’s highest rating for patient safety.

“This recognition, like other recent awards, is important not only to our medical professionals, reflecting their fine performance, but also validates the confidence of our patients who entrust us with their health care,” said Randy Kelley, Ludington hospital president.

”This inspires us all to keep striving for excellence in patient outcomes,” said Helen Johnson, the hospital’s chief nursing officer. “While our people do their best every day, regardless of recognition, there’s no doubt that occasional acknowledgment is deeply appreciated.”

“Protecting patients from harm is the most important charge for any hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We recognize and appreciate ‘A’ hospitals’ vigilance and continued dedication to keeping their patients safe.”