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NCH Makes the Grade for

Nationally Recognized,

Quality Healthcare

by Paul Hiltz, FACHE
roviding quality care to those we serve We thank Leapfrog for recognizing the outstanding outcomes
has always been at the forefront of our NCH provides to the community, and I thank our staff for their
Pmission to help everyone live a longer, efforts and dedication that earned us this notable recognition. It
happier, healthier life. is this passion for providing top-notch care that not only earned
I am excited to report that both NCH us this distinction today, but will help us achieve other momentous
Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples awards as we move forward.
Hospital have each received an “A” Leapfrog To see our full grade details, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2021. This
national distinction recognizes the NCH For more information, contact the Preferred Care Home Health
Healthcare System’s achievements in protecting patients from Services One Heart Program at (239) 500-7500.
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 health
care 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.

76 Life in Naples | January 2022