Northwell’s Phelps Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital have received the top patient safety rating from the nonprofit Leapfrog Group, which evaluates health systems throughout the United States based on safety, quality and transparency. In addition, Northern Westchester Hospital was recognized as a “Straight A” hospital, a designation given to hospitals that have earned an A in at least five consecutive cycles of the Hospital Safety Grades. This encompasses just 12% of all hospitals.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades examines more than 3,000 acute-care hospitals twice per year for clinical processes, structural measures and patient outcomes of hospitals across 22 categories. Outcomes, such as infection prevention, account for half of the overall score. New York state ranks 31st for the percentage of grade A hospitals, below the national average at 25%. By comparison, 73% of Northwell hospitals earned A’s.
“Patient quality and safety is our top priority at Northwell,” said Jill Kalman, M.D., senior vice president, chief medical officer and deputy physician-in-chief at Northwell. “As we mark Patient Experience Week, we celebrate the dedication of our team members who ensure that every patient receives compassionate, expert care. These A-rated Northwell hospitals are a reflection of the outstanding work happening across our system every day.”
The biannual safety grade is an A, B, C, D or F assigned to all hospitals based on their ability to protect patients from medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections.
“All hospitals should be proud to earn an A, but they should not rest on that laurel,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO, Leapfrog Group. “Patient safety is a relentless, never-ending quest to put patients first.”
Northwell also had 11 A-graded hospitals in Leapfrog’s November 2024 report card.
