New Jersey fell from its top spot last fall as having the most “A”-rated hospitals in The Leapfrog Group’s report on hospital safety.
This spring, the biannual report — released Wednesday — shows the state is down to sixth in the nation for the number of hospitals receiving top marks.
In New Jersey, 68 hospitals were graded as follows:
- “A”: 31 hospitals, or 45.6% (7 fewer “A”s than Fall 2018);
- “B”: 27 hospitals, 39.7% (11 more “B”s);
- “C”: 7 hospitals, 10.3% (4 fewer “C”s);
- “D”: 3 hospitals, 4.4% (2 more “D”s);
- “F” 0 hospitals, 0% (1 fewer “F”).
Eight hospitals went up in their grade — with one, St. Luke’s Warren Campus, increasing by two grades, from “C” to “A,” according to a statement Wednesday from Leapfrog.
The three “D” hospitals were East Orange General Hospital, HMH Mountainside Medical Center and University Hospital. The state had no “F” hospitals this time.
Linda Schwimmer, CEO and president of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and the regional leader for Leapfrog in New Jersey, said the lowest ratings are still cause for concern.
“We’re pleased with the high rate of Leapfrog survey participation and the number of New Jersey hospitals committed to safety and transparency,” she said.
“Yet, we still have concerns about some poorly-rated hospitals and we hope those low safety grades galvanize their hospital leaders to make a true and sustained commitment to improving quality and safety.”