Cary Medical Center in Caribou was recently honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by the Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. Cary was one of only 250 hospitals nation-wide to score an “A” for five consecutive reporting periods. The Hospital Safety Score was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals are assigned an A, B, C, D, or F for their patient safety efforts.
“It’s the Leapfrog Group’s goal to give patients the information they need and deserve before even entering a hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate hospitals that earned an ‘A’ and we look forward to the day when all hospitals in the U.S. will earn the highest scores for putting patient safety first.”
To see your hospital’s scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, the Hospital Safety Score website, which provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.
Kris Doody, RN, and Cary CEO, said that creating a “culture” of patient safety has always been a major priority at the hospital.
“We take patient safety very seriously here and we work hard at it every day,” said Doody, who leads the hospitals patient safety initiatives. “Receiving an ‘A’ score for 5 consecutive reporting periods puts us in an elite group of hospitals and demonstrates our consistent efforts to establish an environment where patient safety becomes a way of life and it a tribute to all clinical and support staff. We are extremely proud of our continuous ‘A’ grade.”
Doody also pointed out that having open dialogue with the hospital’s medical staff has also been a key factor in the success of their patient safety program. Shawn Laferriere, D. O., medical director of radiology, and chief of staff at Cary, said that being able to discuss issues openly and engaging patients in the establishment of a safe hospital experience are important factors.
“As physicians we must lead the patient safety effort,” said Laferriere, “By working with our colleagues, nursing staff and listening to our patients and families, we can make great strides in medication safety, fall prevention and other critical factors.”
Caribou hospital officials learned about the “A” Hospital Safety Score from the Leapfrog Group, after just being named a 2014 HealthStrong Top Hospital and receiving a 2014 Women’s Choice Award as One of America’s Best Breast Centers, by Women Certified.
By carrying the Women’s Choice Award seal, Cary Medical Center has signified its commitment to a global mission to elevate the patient experience for women and all patients as one of America’s Best Breast Centers.
The Women’s Choice Award is the only program that identifies the nation’s best in healthcare based on patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and what women really want when it comes to treatment and a quality medical experience.”
“I can’t say it enough; of again just how proud we are of our entire Cary Medical Center family,” Doody said. “To be recognized for excellence in doing the right thing for our patients, by both our peers in the healthcare industry and our patients themselves, is an incredible accomplishment. As caregivers and healers, we always strive for excellence focusing on our philosophy of patient-centered health care. It’s why we do what we do every day, and it is the Cary culture.”
