The Leapfrog Group and VHA recognize hospital
WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital recently received recognition for its patient safety efforts with honors from two health care rating organizations.
In December, the hospital achieved the highest possible grade for The Leapfrog Group’s 2012 Hospital Safety Score.
WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital earned an A grade based on a compilation of 26 measures of hospital safety. The Hospital Safety Score is an A, B, C, D, or F letter grade reflecting how safe hospitals are for patients.
The Leapfrog Group’s list of measures includes CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry); safe practices; SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project) measures; hospital-acquired conditions and patient safety indicators.
In January, the hospital earned a 2012 VHA Mid-Atlantic APEX (Achieving Patient Care Excellence) Award by demonstrating extraordinary levels of patient safety and clinical performance in four key clinical safety measures:
- Eliminating Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) for at least a consecutive 12-month period (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012)
- Eliminating pressure ulcers for a consecutive 12 month period (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012)
- Decreasing the rate of all cause readmissions to inpatient status within 30 days post discharge by greater than or equal to 2.5 percent (Apex criteria compares the first three months, July-Sept 2011 to the last three months March-May 2012)
- Decreasing inpatient Venous Thromboembolism events (DVT & PE) to a rate of less than or equal to 0.5 percent (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012).
WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital previously earned VHA APEX Awards in 2011 and 2009.
“This type of third-party recognition is a positive reflection on the dedicated efforts the entire WellSpan staff is making to implement patient safety improvements that also have a positive impact on the patient experience,” said Jane Hyde, president of WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital and senior vice president, WellSpan Health.
“We understand that what matters most to patients is safe, effective care and we continue to work to improve every day.”