NCH Makes the Grade for Nationally Recognized, Quality Healthcare

by Paul Hiltz, President/CEO, FACHE

by Paul Hiltz, FACHE

Providing quality care to those we serve has always been at the forefront of our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life.

I am excited to report that both NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital have each received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2021. This national distinction recognizes the NCH Healthcare System’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients.

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

More patients are demanding transparency from their healthcare providers and are turning to independent organizations, such as the Leapfrog Group, in an effort to provide confirmation on the choices they make when looking for quality care.

An “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group is the gold standard when it comes to patient safety and is a major achievement for those who earn it.

In the past two years, NCH has come a long way to achieve the two “A” grades from Leapfrog. We have transformed the way we review data to improve our quality metrics and enhance the patient experience. We have pulled together a team led by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kristin Mascotti and Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Carlos Quintero, to focus efforts on improving quality with an exceptional patient experience.

Transparency with our staff and community, along with inviting physicians, both independent and employed, to be part of the decision-making process have contributed to the exceptional grades we have received.

We thank Leapfrog for recognizing the outstanding outcomes NCH provides to the community, and I thank our staff for their efforts and dedication that earned us this notable recognition. It is this passion for providing top-notch care that not only earned us this distinction today but will help us achieve other momentousawards as we move forward.

To see our full grade details, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. For more information, contact the Preferred Care Home HealthServices One Heart Program at (239) 500-7500.