#USA #Patient Safety #Laguna Hills #Healthgrades #MemorialCare Saddleback

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Earns National Recognition

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center recently announced an impressive achievement: the center has received the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, marking its second consecutive year in the prestigious recognition. This honor places Saddleback Medical Center within the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of care.

A Testament to Quality Care
In a statement, Brandi Cassingham, the chief nursing officer at Saddleback Medical Center, expressed gratitude for the recognition. She said, “We are truly honored to be recognized among the top 5% of hospitals for patient safety. It's a testament to the great work and commitment of our entire team from leaders to frontline staff to physicians.” This acknowledgement reflects not only the commitment of the medical staff but also underscores the hospital's goal to maintain a trusted, patient-centered environment for the community.

Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals across the country to determine the top-performing hospitals in patient safety. The findings revealed significant performance gaps between facilities, making it paramount for patients to seek care from institutions with top safety ratings.

Patient Safety Statistics
From 2021 to 2023, 173,280 preventable safety events were reported among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals. Four patient safety indicators were found to account for nearly 76% of these incidents:
1. In-hospital falls resulting in fractures (54% less likely at award winners)
2. Collapsed lung due to procedures or surgeries (55% less likely)
3. Pressure sores or bedsores acquired in the hospital (69% less likely)
4. Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (72% less likely)

Dr. Debra Gradick, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “As a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient, Saddleback Medical Center consistently puts the well-being of their patients and staff at the forefront, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide.” This award speaks volumes about the hospital’s dedication to preventing serious injuries and ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes for patients.

More than Just Patient Safety
Alongside this recognition, Saddleback Medical Center has also attained accolades for their overall clinical care, being named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals. This accolade reflects the institution's exceptional performance across various service areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and pulmonary care. These achievements resonate with the organization's philosophy of delivering compassionate, individualized care at every stage of the patient journey.

About MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Part of the non-profit integrated health care delivery system MemorialCare, the Saddleback Medical Center has received high-performance rankings from U.S. News & World Report in multiple clinical specialties. Their accolades extend to categories like abdominal aortic aneurysm, congestive heart failure, COPD, and stroke care, further establishing the center as a leader in quality healthcare in the region.

For more information about their services and offerings, you can visit memorialcare.org/saddleback.

About Healthgrades
Healthgrades is the foremost platform connecting patients, doctors, and hospitals, aiding millions of Americans each month in discovering healthcare providers. Their commitment to healthcare transparency reinforces informed patient decisions, ensuring safe and rewarding healthcare experiences across the nation.