Clarendon Memorial Hospital has once again received one of the area’s highest ratings in a national healthcare quality survey. The Leapfrog Group announced Monday its Spring 2016 Hospital Safety Score update, assigning a “B” grade to Clarendon Memorial, and other letter grades to more than 2,500 hospitals throughout the country.
The survey assesses medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections. It is the second time the hospital has received the “B” grade in the Spring Survey.
“We have continuously improved our quality grade from the Leapfrog Group,” said Clarendon Health System acting CEO and COO Paul Schumacher. “This is our second ‘B’ in a row from them, and it represents a strong commitment from our entire team of healthcare professionals.
The hospital scored high in two major categories, getting a 99 out of 100 in “Staff Follow Steps to Make Surgery Safer.”
Safe surgery practices include antibiotic timing, timely and correct antibiotics given prior to and after surgical procedures and safe surgery checklist use.
The other major category was “Infections and Safety Problems,” with a 0 numerical score, the highest score possible. Criteria from Leapfrog includes the prevention of infections during the use of central lines. Clarendon Health System utilizes strict protocols for central line placement and access in the Intensive Care Unit, Schumacher said.
“The employees of Clarendon Health System have always been focused on providing quality care to our patients in a safe environment,” said Director of Quality and Case Management Pam Flagler. “Our Leapfrog scores remind us of our never-ending determination to give our patients the best experience possible. We know they have a choice in healthcare, and we want them to choose Clarendon.”
Board Chairman Jim Darby said he was happy to see such an “outstanding grade” during the hospital’s 65th year.
“As we celebrate our 65th anniversary this year, we honor our past, but put great focus on our future,” Darby said. “This high Leapfrog score is one of many reasons why our future is bright. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I sincerely thank every single employee for their dedication to the people we serve.”
For more information about our medical staff and the services provided, please visit www.clarendonhealth.com
