#Knoxville #United States #Leapfrog Group #Patient Safety #Covenant Health

Covenant Health Hospitals' Remarkable Achievement in Patient Safety

Covenant Health proudly announces that for the second consecutive semester, all nine of its acute-care hospitals in East Tennessee have secured 'A' grades in hospital safety for Fall 2024 from The Leapfrog Group. This achievement signifies their unwavering dedication to patient safety and the high-quality healthcare they provide to the community.

Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare

The Leapfrog Group, an esteemed organization known for its robust evaluations of hospitals across the U.S., uses a comprehensive set of criteria to determine safety grades twice a year. Their assessments take into account over 30 different measures encompassing accidents, errors, patient injuries, and infections. Moreover, they also consider the preventive measures that healthcare facilities implement to mitigate these risks.

The hospitals that have earned 'A' grades include:

• - Claiborne Medical Center, Tazewell
• - Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville
• - Fort Loudoun Medical Center, Lenoir City
• - Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville
• - LeConte Medical Center, Sevierville
• - Methodist Medical Center, Oak Ridge
• - Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, Morristown
• - Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville
• - Roane Medical Center, Harriman

Commitment from Hospital Leadership

Jim VanderSteeg, President and CEO of Covenant Health, expressed his elation at the achievement, stating, "I am thrilled that all nine of our acute-care hospitals received an 'A' grade from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety. This sends a very strong signal to our community and the patients we serve regarding our commitment to their safety." He commended the dedication and effort of every staff member in Covenant Health who played a vital role in realizing this accomplishment.

Similarly, Debbi Honey, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Covenant Health, reflected on the importance of this recognition. "Receiving another 'A' safety grade is a testament to our diligence in making patient safety our top priority," said Honey. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, we have earned national recognition for the exemplary care we provide."

The Importance of Hospital Safety Grades

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is distinctive as it focuses exclusively on preventable medical errors, injuries, and infections. This transparency and rigor offer patients vital information as they make healthcare choices for themselves and their loved ones. The grades are not only peer-reviewed but are also made freely available to the public, ensuring accountability and trust in the healthcare system.

The consistent performance of Covenant Health in achieving these safety grades showcases its commitment to providing safe, high-quality care that prioritizes well-being above all. This accomplishment fortifies Covenant Health's position as a trusted healthcare provider in the region, ensuring that patients can rely on their local hospitals for safety and excellence in care.

As Covenant Health celebrates this significant recognition, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide the highest level of patient safety and care to the communities it serves.

For more detailed information about Covenant Health and its ongoing commitment to patient safety, visit their official website.