WakeMed Cary: Top Grade in Patient Safety
Cary, NC – In a survey of hospitals nationwide, WakeMed Cary Hospital received an “A” in patient safety.
Top Grade in Safety
The survey, conducted by The Leapfrog Group, looked at WakeMed Cary according to nine different categories, including maternity care, level of readmission and use of computers to cut down on medication errors. At the end of the Spring survey, WakeMed Cary got the highest score possible.
“We are pleased with the ‘A’ grade and we always strive for continued improvement in both our processes and safe patient outcomes,” said Dr. West Paul, WakeMed senior vice president and Chief Quality and Medical Staff officer.
A 2013 report published in the Journal of Patient Safety found between 210,000 and 440,000 patients each year experience some kind of preventable medical error in American hospitals that contributes to their death.
The Leapfrog Group is a non-profit started in 2000 to improve healthcare in the United States.
Top Hospitals in Country
More than 1,500 hospitals submitted to the survey in 2015, with more reporting in 2016. Out of those participating, the A grade puts WakeMed Cary as one of the top hospitals in the country in patient safety.
“Our unwavering commitment to exceptional care and quality standards helps keep our patients as safe as possible and enhances the health and well-being of the community we serve,” said Tom Gough, senior vice president and administrator at WakeMed Cary.
The 2016 survey added new criteria for grading, such as information about a hospital’s teaching status, an update to their “National Quality Forum” safe practices based on recommendations from a national expert panel and measures of MRSA, CDI and SSI infections while in hospital.
Story by staff reports. Picture from Southern Atlantic Health Alliance.
