Hospital system scores big win in safety rankings

FORT MYERS — For the first time, all four Lee Health adult acute care hospitals earned the highest marks for safety as ranked by The Leapfrog Group, which since 2000 has promoted improved health care safety, quality and affordability in the United States.

In its spring 2019 hospital safety grades, Leapfrog awarded Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, Healthpark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital "A" grades each, the highest possible ranking, according to a statement. 

"This recognition demonstrates the amazing work our doctors, advanced providers, nurses and support staff do to provide safe, compassionate care for patients at our hospitals,” says Lee Health President and CEO Larry Antonucci in the statement. 

The Leapfrog ratings are based on 27 measures of safety data. Less than one-third, 32%, of the approximately 2,500 acute care hospitals Leapfrog graded received the highest rating, the release adds. 

"These scores highlight our efforts to improve overall patient safety and empower staff to spot potentially dangerous situations, including hospital-acquired infections,” says Scott Kashman, Lee Health chief acute care officer, in the statement. “Each member of our team is responsible in some way for providing safe care and these results show how their hard work and dedication have made a difference for our patients.”