UH Parma Medical Center Awarded National Recognition with an A Hospital Safety Grade

PARMA, Ohio- University Hospitals Parma Medical Center's relentless focus on Zero Harm initiatives has once again resulted in an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that celebrates hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that protect patients from preventable harm and errors.

Fewer than 30 percent of the nation's nearly 3,000 hospitals achieve this high mark. James Lee Hill Jr., MD, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of UH Parma Medical Center, says the stellar safety grade is based on a patient-centered approach to care, where teams work collaboratively toward continuous improvement topromote a shared responsibility for patient safety.

"Our initiatives are rooted in a patient-centered approach, where every decision and action is guided by the well-being and safety of our patients," Dr. Hill said. "From clinical practices to administrative processes, safety is integrated at every level of our organization. This is seen in our Zero Harm programs to eliminate patient harm within our walls.

"We continuously evaluate and enhance our safety protocols and processes to adapt to evolving healthcare standards and best practices. This proactive approach ensures that we stay ahead of potential risks and maintain a culture of safety excellence. Through collaborative partnerships with patients, families, providers and our community, we leverage collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful improvements in safety outcomes.

Leapfrog's publicly available hospital grades are intended as a tool to empower patients. UH Parma closely monitors quality measures like hospital-acquired infections and readmission rates. All caregivers, including nurses and physicians, are encouraged to actively advocate for their patients, which leads to a culture of shared responsibility and accountability.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an "A," "B," "C," "D" or "F" grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. UH Parma Medical Center also received "A" grades in fall and spring of 2023. To see full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.