West Valley Nationally Recognized with 22nd 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

West Valley Medical Center received an ‘A’ grade in the fall 2023  Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This national distinction recognizes the hospital's achievements regarding patient safety. West Valley is celebrating 19 consecutive 'A' ratings and 22 overall.

“At West Valley Medical Center, we are committed to delivering superior, patient-centered care to every patient on every visit,” said Dr. Richard Augustus, chief medical officer, West Valley Medical Center. “The incredible work being recognized by our hospital teams in service to their communities is simply remarkable. I commend our medical staff and care teams for their unwavering commitment to institute the best practices that drive the highest quality care to our patients.”

West Valley Medical Center is now a Level II Stroke Center and is also working toward a Level III Trauma Certification. The hospital implements the Clinical Safety Improvement Program each year to proactively improve patient safety measures and outcomes. 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 program 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.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means West Valley Medical Center made a true commitment to put patients first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

To see West Valley Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.