May 31, 2013

Bethesda North and Good Samaritan were recognized with an "A" Hospital Safety Score by the Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The A score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety Score - the A, B, C, D or F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals, based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation's leading experts on patient safety. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety (April 2013), Hospital Safety Score is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

"Patient safety and quality are central to everything we do at TriHealth," said Georges Feghali MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer for TriHealth.  "The Leapfrog Group's recognition publicly acknowledges the commitment of both medical staff and all hospital staff who work diligently for patient safety each and every day."

"Earning an 'A' on the Hospital Safety Score demonstrates that these hospitals have exhibited excellence in our national database of patient safety measures, said Leah Binder, President and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. "I'd like to congratulate both Bethesda North and Good Samaritan Hospitals for your achievements and encourage you to continue to put a priority on the safety of your patients."

To see hospital scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at hospitalsafetyscore.org, which provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.