Hospital awarded distinction today when Leapfrog — an independent industry watchdog that provides ratings to consumers so they can inform themselves and families when facing a hospital stay — updated grades.
Overland Park, KS — Overland Park Regional Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ in the spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Gradea national distinction recognizing Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s achievements providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and updated every six months, assessing how well the hospital prevents medical errors and other harms to patients.
Overland Park Regional Medical Center is part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider.
“Patient safety is the fundamental aspect of hospital care,” says Overland Park Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Matt Sogard. “Now more than ever, patients and their families want to know that their hospital is a safe, healing environment for COVID-19 patients and those with other healthcare needs. Overland Park Regional Medical Center has developed measures to keep our patients and staff safe. We are grateful for what this recognition means for our team and community.”
Overland Park Regional Medical Center has implemented important protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of its patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
- Hospitals remain safe for all patients to receive care: screening is performed for all patients, visitors and staff before entering facilities.
- Additional safety precautions are in place, including COVID-19 testing for patients prior to a procedure, treatment and surgery, as well as pregnant moms who are delivering.
- All caregivers and employees wear masks throughout all areas of the hospital and care sites, per CDC guidelines.
- Heightened infection prevention policies, including the removal of high-touch items such as magazines and toys. Food and drink are prohibited in clinical units to prevent the spread of illness.
“As the country copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and health care workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication,” says Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We hope this ‘A’ helps to thank the people who work and volunteer for Overland Park Regional Medical Center. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need.”
Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.
Overland Park Medical Center’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.