West Valley Medical Center received an ‘A’ grade in the fall 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This national distinction recognizes West Valley's achievements when it comes to patient safety. West Valley is celebrating 17 consecutive 'A' ratings and 20 overall.
“Our colleagues are exceptional and place safety as a top priority in everything we do," said Betsy Hunsicker, West Valley Medical Center Chief Executive Officer. "This 20th 'A' Safety Grade is a reflection of the hard work of our entire team and their dedication to clinical excellence."
"I'm beyond proud of the care we provide to our community. This repeated achievement is a testament to our focus on initiatives that make patient safety and quality a top priority," said Dr. Richard Augustus, Chief Medical Officer, West Valley Medical Center.
Several initiatives contribute to the high level of patient safety at West Valley, including a multitude of safety programs aimed at improving patient outcomes as well as enhancing each patient’s personal experience. Additionally, West Valley and HCA Healthcare’s Sepsis Predication and Optimization of Therapy (SPOT) is helping clinicians detect sepsis up to 18 hours sooner. The algorithm-driven, real-time sepsis alert system has been called a “smoke detector for sepsis”.
Another initiative at West Valley, called enhanced surgical recovery, is helping patients achieve a more successful pre and post-surgical process. The program is aimed at utilizing effective pain management without opioids and reducing length of stay in the hospital for patients as well as potential complications.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
“I thank the workforce and leadership of West Valley Medical Center for sustained commitment to patient safety, day in and day out,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is an outstanding achievement, and one that is not possible without a 24/7 effort by the entire health care workforce to protect patients from harm. This community should be proud.”
To see West Valley’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org .