Baptist Health La Grange earns first-ever A in patient safety from Leapfrog

Baptist Health La Grange earned its first-ever "A" in patient safety from the independent Leapfrog Group.

LA GRANGE, KY– Baptist Health La Grange earned its first-ever “A” in patient safety from the independent Leapfrog Group -- one of four Baptist Health hospitals to score the top rating.

Also receiving “A” grades were Baptist Health Lexington (which scored its sixth consecutive A), Baptist Health Madisonville and Baptist Health Richmond.

Twice a year, Leapfrog, a national nonprofit, assigns more than 2,600 hospitals a letter grade from “A” to “F,” publicly reporting the level of quality and safety as determined by its national performance metrics. Leapfrog standards and measures evolve over time and are focused on inpatient care in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harm to patients.

“This rating is a testament to our staff who have been working so hard to provide the high quality, compassionate care for which Baptist Health is known – in the midst of a pandemic,” said Clint Kaho, Baptist Health La Grange president. “It is especially meaningful for us to receive Leapfrog’s highest rating in patient safety when we are taking extraordinary measures to protect our patients, our staff and our communities during a pandemic and otherwise.”

“We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and healthcare workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ‘A’ is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for Baptist Health La Grange. Lives depend on it.”

Only 34 percent of hospitals earned an A, with 24 percent getting a B, and 35 percent assigned a C. Only 7 percent of hospitals were given a D, and fewer than 3 percent rated an F.

Six of Baptist Health’s hospitals showed improvement over the spring 2020 rating, with three maintaining their score – including an A for Baptist Health Lexington.

Leapfrog scores are based on data from 27 measures of publicly available data, some of which may be a couple of years old.

“Baptist Health La Grange aims for constant and consistent improvement in our processes, using best practices to deliver excellent care to our patients,” said Sandy Keith, Director of Quality and Clinical Outcomes. “This grade reflects the dedication of our staff to high standards of patient care.”

To see Baptist Health La Grange's full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.