#United States #Leapfrog Group #Laguna Hills #Saddleback Medical Center #Hospital Safety

Saddleback Medical Center Receives Eighth 'A' Safety Grade from Leapfrog

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, located in Laguna Hills, California, has been recognized with an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, a respected national nonprofit organization. This achievement, occurring for the eighth consecutive time, emphasizes the hospital's ongoing commitment to high standards in patient care and safety.

The Leapfrog Group employs a rigorous grading system that evaluates hospitals on over 30 national performance metrics. These are designed to assess the safety of care provided, focusing on critical factors such as medical errors, accidents, infections, and the efficacy of systems that aim to prevent patient harm. The institution’s consistent 'A' grade places it among an elite group of hospitals recognized for excellence across the United States.

Shela Kaneshiro, CEO of Saddleback Medical Center, expressed pride in this accolade, stating, "Receiving Leapfrog's 'A' Safety Grade highlights our dedication to clinical excellence and compassionate care. We prioritize our community's health, and this recognition demonstrates that commitment. Through continuous improvement and patient-centric strategies, we aim to provide the highest level of service."

The institution's executive director of quality, Nika Carlson, M.S.N., R.N., elaborated on the internal processes that contribute to this success. "We have established thorough clinical standards and process improvements that ensure our team maintains exceptional quality in both clinical outcomes and patient experiences," she revealed.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade focuses solely on how well various hospitals work to avert errors and injuries, a critical concern as preventable clinical errors are responsible for over 500 patient deaths daily in the U.S. The program is peer-reviewed, completely transparent, and available at no cost to the public, with updates provided twice each year.

Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, congratulated Saddleback Medical Center for this significant achievement, stating, "Earning an 'A' Grade signifies a genuine commitment to patient-first policies. The leadership team, board members, clinicians, and staff all contributed significantly to reaching this milestone."

For families and patients looking for ways to stay safe in hospitals, detailed safety information and accessible resources are available at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

About MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is part of the MemorialCare health care system, which operates on a not-for-profit model to integrate health services. Renowned for its excellent performance in numerous health conditions, the hospital has received various accolades from prominent organizations including the U.S. News & World Report. Its services span areas such as cardiology, orthopedic surgery, cancer care, and emergency services, further showcasing its commitment to leading health care practices.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000, The Leapfrog Group represents a coalition of large employers and other stakeholders that advocate for significant advancements in patient safety. Its mission is to enhance transparency in medical practices and promote high-value care curated from comprehensive hospital performance data. Included in this initiative is the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade that classifies hospitals based on patient safety records, allowing consumers to make informed choices for their healthcare needs. For more information, followers can connect with them on social media or subscribe to their newsletter.