South County nets top safety rating from Leapfrog

By Richard Asinof
Contributing Writer
Twitter: @RichardAsinof

WAKEFIELD – South County Hospital received a top-rated “A” Hospital Safety Score rating by The Leapfrog Group, one of only two hospitals so rated in Rhode Island, hospital officials announced on Dec. 19.

The scores are assigned to hospitals based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Group is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, independent healthcare transparency advocacy group. A hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors determines its score.

The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information that consumers can use to protect themselves and their families.

“Hospitals like South County Hospital that earn an A have demonstrated their commitment to their patients and their community,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I congratulate South County Hospital for its safety excellence, and look forward to the day when all hospitals will match this standard.”“We are pleased to learn of our A rating from Leapfrog,” said South County Hospital President and CEO Lou Giancola. “We strive each day to meet the highest standards for safety and it is always gratifying to have an independent entity recognize this effort.”