UNC Hospitals, UNC REX and Johnston Health Earn Top Safety Grades from Leapfrog

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. April 12, 2017 – UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, UNC REX Healthcare in Raleigh and Johnston Health in Smithfield and Clayton earned top “A” grades for patient safety on The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2017 report card, putting them among the country’s safest hospitals.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign letter grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals. Only 823 hospitals nationwide received “A” grades in the Spring 2017 Leapfrog report for their commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients. Among other hospitals affiliated with UNC Health Care, High Point Regional in High Point also received an A.

“Across the UNC Health Care system, we strive to provide all of our patients and their families with the best and safest care,” said Dr. Bill Roper, CEO of UNC Health Care. “The Leapfrog Group’s safety report has become another important tool for consumers as they make choices about where they receive medical care. We’re proud that Leapfrog includes our hospitals among the nation’s safest.”

In addition, UNC REX is the only hospital in North Carolina – and one of only 63 nationwide – to receive straight A’s since Leapfrog began its safety scorecard in 2012.

“Hospitals that earn top marks nationally in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade have achieved the highest safety standards in the country,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “That takes commitment from every member of the hospital staff, who all deserve thanks and congratulations.”

To see a hospital’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients, visit hospitalsafetyscore.org or follow The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter and Facebook. Consumers can also download the free Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

SOURCE: UNC REX Healthcare