Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center (FWMC) in Fort Washington, MD, has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to healthcare safety. This recognition makes FWMC the only hospital in Prince George’s County to achieve the highest mark for hospital safety.
“This is the first time Fort Washington Medical Center has received the highest hospital safety grade, awarded by The Leapfrog Group, since joining Adventist HealthCare in late 2019. We are absolutely thrilled,” said Eunmee Shim, president of Fort Washington Medical Center. “The ‘A’ safety grade reflects the commitment and hard work of our entire team.”
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, which is updated twice a year in the fall and spring, is the sole hospital ratings program that focuses exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries. These issues account for more than 500 patient deaths each day in the United States. The safety grades provided by Leapfrog are peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and available to the public at no cost.
Fort Washington Medical Center’s recent accolade is a testament to its ongoing dedication to patient safety and quality care. The hospital’s journey toward achieving this top grade began when it joined Adventist HealthCare in late 2019. Since then, FWMC has implemented numerous safety protocols and quality improvement measures to enhance patient outcomes.
The Leapfrog Group’s methodology for determining safety grades involves a rigorous review of hospitals’ performance in various safety measures. These measures include rates of infections, surgical complications, and the effectiveness of practices aimed at preventing harm to patients. The “A” grade awarded to FWMC signifies excellence in these critical areas and highlights the hospital’s success in minimizing risks to patients.
Eunmee Shim emphasized that this achievement is the result of collective efforts by the entire FWMC team. “Our staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that our patients receive the safest care possible. This recognition is a validation of their hard work and dedication,” Shim said.
The recognition by The Leapfrog Group not only enhances FWMC’s reputation but also assures patients and the community of the hospital’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and care. Patients looking for detailed information about the hospital’s safety grade and tips for staying safe during hospital visits can access these resources at HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Additionally, The Leapfrog Group provides updates and information through its social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, as well as through its newsletter.
As FWMC continues to strive for excellence in patient care, this “A” grade serves as a milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality and safety. The hospital remains focused on implementing best practices and innovative solutions to further enhance patient safety and outcomes.
