Leapfrog gives UChicago Medicine 7th straight 'A' for hospital safety

April 29, 2015

The University of Chicago Medicine was named one of the safest hospitals in the country for the seventh consecutive time by the prestigious and independent Leapfrog Group.

In Leapfrog's semi-annual Hospital Safety Score, UChicago Medicine garnered a "Straight A's" designation for its consistency in delivering the highest level of quality and protecting its patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections while in the hospital.

Since the survey began in June 2012, UChicago Medicine is one of only 182 U.S. hospitals, out of about 5,000, to receive an A in all seven survey periods.

"UChicago Medicine is absolutely committed to patient safety and quality, and we're thrilled to see our efforts recognized in this way," said Michael Howell, MD, MPH, associate chief medical officer for clinical quality. "We're particularly pleased to join the very small number of hospitals that have demonstrated consistent excellence in this nationally important measure of patient safety."

Leapfrog, a nonprofit organization dedicated to measuring and driving improvements in hospital safety, combined 28 publicly reported metrics to compile its spring 2015 Hospital Safety Score.

"The University of Chicago Medicine's record of straight A's validates its achievement in preventing harm within the hospital, and we are proud to recognize the efforts of the care providers and staff," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, which administers the Hospital Safety Score. "Patient safety requires constant vigilance, and we encourage UChicago Medicine and all other A hospitals to continue demonstrating unrelenting commitment to patients by consistently working to improve processes and providing provide a safe environment for care."

More than 2,500 U.S. general hospitals were assigned scores in the April survey, with about 31 percent receiving an A. Hospitals are graded with an A, B, C, D or F based on the data.