#United States #Patient Safety #MemorialCare #Laguna Hills #Saddleback Medical Center

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Recognized Once Again for Top-Notch Patient Safety

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center has proudly announced that it has received the esteemed 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades for the third consecutive year. This recognition places the medical center in the top 10% of hospitals across the United States in terms of patient safety, highlighting its commitment to providing quality care.

A Testament to Exceptional Care

Brandi Cassingham, Chief Nursing Officer at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, expressed immense pride in this achievement, stating that it exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of the hospital's team. The award not only recognizes superior patient outcomes but also emphasizes the compassion and care that staff members extend toward every patient they serve. Cassingham highlighted the hospital's resolve to treat every patient with the same respect and kindness they would expect for their own family members.

Healthgrades' evaluation of hospital patient safety analyzed risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates from Medicare inpatient data. The assessment focused on 14 serious and potentially preventable complications over a three-year period from 2021 to 2023, with hospitals exhibiting exceptional performance earning this accolade. The analysis revealed that hospitals awarded the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ demonstrated significantly better patient outcomes compared to their counterparts, thereby underscoring the vital importance of choosing hospitals with proven safety records.

Statistics Speak Volumes

The Healthgrades report indicates a troubling trend among U.S. hospitals, where preventable patient safety events reached an alarming total of 173,280 cases among Medicare patients from 2021 to 2023. Notably, four patient safety indicators accounted for nearly 76% of these incidents. The data underscores the substantial difference in outcomes for patients treated in hospitals recognized for excellence in patient safety. For instance, patients at these awarded institutions were:

• - 54% less likely to experience in-hospital falls resulting in fracture,
• - Approximately 55% less likely to suffer a collapsed lung due to a procedure in or around the chest,
• - Around 69% less likely to acquire pressure sores or bed sores,
• - 72% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired during their hospital stay.

Debra Gradick, MD FACEP, a senior physician consultant at Healthgrades, commended MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center for its unwavering commitment to patient care and safety. She noted that the institution consistently prioritizes the well-being of its patients and staff, thereby setting a standard for safety in healthcare nationwide.

Recognition Beyond Patient Safety

Besides its latest accolade for patient safety, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center has also been included in the list of America's 250 Best Hospitals® for overall clinical excellence for 2026. The center has garnered numerous awards for outstanding performance in essential service areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and pulmonary care. This accumulation of accolades reflects the organization's persistent commitment to delivering personalized and compassionate care at every stage of a patient's journey.

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery system known for its dedication to quality. The institution has received high-performance rankings across various medical conditions and procedures, illustrating its commitment to excellence in healthcare.

In summary, the recognition from Healthgrades for patient safety excellence exemplifies MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center's continuous efforts to provide exceptional care while safeguarding its patients, helping them lead safer, healthier lives.

For further information, visit memorialcare.org/saddleback.