Adventist HealthCare Hospitals Achieve Unprecedented Leapfrog 'A' Safety Ratings

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center Achieves Leapfrog 'A' Safety Grade

In a significant milestone for healthcare in the Washington, D.C. region, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland, has earned its very first 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group as part of the Spring 2026 ratings. This accomplishment not only showcases the dedication of the medical staff but also represents the first time in history that all acute-care hospitals under the Adventist HealthCare umbrella have simultaneously achieved the top safety grade.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent non-profit organization, evaluates hospitals using their evidence-based safety measurements, which include rates of preventable errors, injuries, and infections among patients. Each hospital is subject to rigorous assessments, updated biannually to reflect changes in operational practices and patient care efforts.

Patsy McNeil, MD, Executive Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer for Adventist HealthCare, celebrated this achievement, emphasizing that it results from an unwavering system-wide commitment to safety and quality at every level within their facilities. "It is a remarkable feat that all of our acute-care hospitals have attained Leapfrog’s highest safety grade—it reflects a collective effort to prioritize patient well-being and enhance care quality across our institutions," she stated.

Along with Shady Grove’s inaugural 'A' grade, Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring has achieved its seventh consecutive 'A,' and Fort Washington Medical Center has secured its third straight 'A' grade. This unprecedented clean sweep serves as a testament to the unified approach taken by these hospitals to ensure exceptional patient care.

Dan Cochran, President of Shady Grove Medical Center, expressed pride in this groundbreaking achievement. “Receiving our first 'A' Hospital Safety Grade is an incredible honor that highlights the dedication of our team members. Their relentless commitment to patient safety and quality of care has made this possible,” Cochran stated.

For Shady Grove Medical Center, earning this 'A' grade signifies the culmination of years of focused effort aimed at improving safety protocols, developing training programs, and implementing innovative practices to minimize risks associated with patient care. From improving communication practices within the facility to instituting advanced infection control measures, every step forward has centered around enhancing the patient experience and health outcomes.

The recognition from The Leapfrog Group reinforces the commitment that the staff at Adventist HealthCare has to provide both compassionate and comprehensive medical care. Holding themselves accountable for achieving peak safety standards reflects a deep responsibility to the community they serve.

As a foundational healthcare provider within the region, Adventist HealthCare operates multiple facilities, including Shady Grove, White Oak, and Fort Washington Medical Centers, alongside rehabilitation services, home care, and various outpatient services. The organization's mission revolves around extending care through physical, mental, and spiritual healing, all while ensuring that the highest standards of health and safety are met.

To learn more about Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades and to explore detailed ratings of hospitals across the nation, please visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. This resource not only sheds light on safety standards across the healthcare landscape but also aids patients in making informed decisions concerning their healthcare options.

In summary, the achievement of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in securing its first 'A' Hospital Safety Grade is a profound recognition of their ongoing commitment to patient safety and quality healthcare. This milestone reflects not just a series of successful practices implemented by the staff, but a comprehensive approach to redefining what excellent healthcare looks like. The organization's unwavering focus not only improves outcomes but fosters an environment of trust and confidence among the patients they serve.