West Valley receives sixth consecutive ‘A’ in biannual safety review

West Valley Medical Center has received its sixth consecutive “A” grade in the biannual Hospital Safety Score published by The Leapfrog Group. The designation recognizes exceptional performance in consistently meeting evidence-based patient safety guidelines.

The “A” grade for spring 2017 is a continuation of West Valley’s record of top honors from The Leapfrog Group. Since its first Hospital Safety Score review in 2012, the hospital has received nine “A” grades — the most of any facility in Idaho.

“My personal goal is to make sure the safety of every patient, every day, is given top priority,” West Valley CEO Betsy Hunsicker said. “I’m incredibly proud of our providers and staff for their continued recognition from The Leapfrog Group. This ‘A’ grade represents our ability to keep our patients safe from infections and injuries, as well as medical and medication errors, while we help them achieve their personal health goals.”

Several initiatives contribute to the high level of patient safety at West Valley Medical Center, including a multidisciplinary safety committee and participation in a Joint Commission project to reduce surgical-site infections. Additionally, investment in technology like the HUGS infant security and computerized medication management systems further ensures safety.

To see West Valley’s scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org. This site also provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.

The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information they can use to educate themselves and their families. Calculated in collaboration with The Leapfrog Group’s nine-member Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score compiles 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data into a single “grade.” That score represents any hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections and injuries as well as medical and medication errors.