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Dignity Health’s Commitment to Safety

Dignity Health has made headlines recently by achieving outstanding recognition in hospital safety. A total of 22 hospitals within its California network have been awarded an 'A' grade for safety by The Leapfrog Group, which sets the bar for hospital safety standards across the nation. This accolade illustrates Dignity Health’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of its patients and ensuring excellence in healthcare.

A Leader in Hospital Safety

This impressive feat means that more than 75% of Dignity Health’s hospitals in California are classified among the safest in the state. The Leapfrog Group conducts periodic assessments that evaluate hospitals based on over 30 criteria related to errors, accidents, and systems designed to prevent them. These evaluations are critical because preventable medical errors continue to pose a serious threat, with more than 500 patients falling victim to medical mistakes every day in the United States.

Julie J. Sprengel, California President at Dignity Health, expressed her pride in the hospitals’ achievement, stating, "This acknowledgment reinforces our unwavering commitment to a culture of safety, where every interaction reflects compassion, and our pursuit of unparalleled quality drives us to continually improve the health of those we serve." This sentiment captures the core of Dignity Health’s mission — to provide safe, high-quality care that emphasizes compassion and effectiveness.

Overview of the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a unique rating system that offers a transparent assessment of hospital performance regarding patient safety. Unlike other rating programs, Leapfrog focuses solely on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries, which are critical for protecting patients. Hospitals are graded from A to F based on their performance, and the results are updated twice a year. This initiative has been essential in encouraging hospitals to elevate their safety standards and practices, thus enhancing public awareness and accountability in healthcare.

Among the Dignity Health hospitals earning an 'A' grade are:

• - Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
• - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
• - Community Hospital of San Bernardino
• - Dominican Hospital
• - French Hospital Medical Center
• - Marian Regional Medical Center
• - Mercy General Hospital
• - Mercy Hospital – Downtown
• - Mercy Hospital – Southwest
• - Mercy Hospital of Folsom
• - Mercy Medical Center
• - Mercy San Juan Medical Center
• - Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
• - Northridge Hospital Medical Center
• - Sequoia Hospital
• - Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
• - St. Elizabeth Community Hospital
• - St. John's Hospital Camarillo
• - St. John's Regional Medical Center
• - St. Joseph's Medical Center of Stockton
• - St. Mary Medical Center – Long Beach
• - Woodland Memorial Hospital

These hospitals exemplify the high standards that Dignity Health aims to uphold, ensuring that every patient feels safe and well-cared for during their stay.

How to Learn More

For those interested in exploring more about Dignity Health's safety initiatives or to check on ratings for other hospitals, resources are available at HospitalSafetyGrade.org. This site not only provides detailed information about safety grades but also offers valuable resources for patients looking to stay informed and safe in healthcare settings.

Dignity Health operates under the larger umbrella of CommonSpirit Health, one of the country's largest nonprofit healthcare organizations. With over 9,000 physicians and more than 35,000 employees, Dignity Health is committed to providing outstanding care across numerous acute care hospitals and healthcare service locations throughout California. Their dedication to improving health outcomes for communities particularly emphasizes support for underserved populations.

Ultimately, Dignity Health’s achievement reflects the tireless effort of countless healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring patient safety and improving the overall quality of care. As they continue to strive for excellence, their exemplary commitment sets an important benchmark for healthcare systems across the nation.