North Carolina is once again proving its commitment to healthcare excellence. A recent study by The Leapfrog Group, a nationally recognized hospital safety watchdog, ranked the state 4th in the nation for hospital safety in its Fall 2024 Report. Nearly half of North Carolina’s 92 hospitals received an “A” grade, showcasing the state’s dedication to reducing errors, injuries, and infections in healthcare settings.
As always, The Bull City Citizen brings you the latest in health news, keeping our readers informed and empowered.
Behind the Rankings
Katie Stewart, director of Health Care Ratings at The Leapfrog Group, explained that the study evaluated approximately 30 safety measures to determine hospital grades.
“We look at things like the prevention of errors, injuries, and infections,” Stewart told reporters. “We offer a range of books to acute care hospitals across the U.S. so that patients and their families have the information they need to make informed decisions about where to seek care.”
The criteria include infection prevention, surgical safety, and communication between doctors and nurses. While many hospitals maintained or improved their scores, some saw slight declines.
UNC Rex Hospital Falls to a “B” Grade
One notable shift was at UNC Rex Hospital, a healthcare institution typically known for earning an “A” grade. This fall, the hospital slipped to a “B,” missing the top mark by less than a single point.
“In some areas, they get better,” Stewart noted. “In others, they might see declines. All those factors combined contribute to the score. While they’ve fallen to a ‘B,’ they still perform well in a variety of different measures.”
A Commitment to Improvement
UNC Rex’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Meera Udayakumar, addressed the report with optimism, emphasizing the hospital’s dedication to growth and improvement.
“We missed the ‘A’ grade by less than one point, but it’s an opportunity to learn,” Udayakumar said. “There is always something to learn.”
This perspective highlights the resilience of North Carolina’s healthcare providers, who view challenges as opportunities for growth—a sentiment echoed across the state’s healthcare community.
Why It Matters to Durham Residents
Durham residents, take note: safety grades like these are crucial when making healthcare decisions. With many of the state’s top-rated facilities nearby, including Durham’s own leading institutions, you have access to some of the best healthcare options in the country.
Stay informed with The Bull City Citizen, your trusted source for news that matters to you. From healthcare rankings to local developments, we are here to keep you in the know.
What’s Next?
As the Leapfrog Group continues to assess and rank hospitals, institutions like UNC Rex and others in North Carolina have an opportunity to build on their successes and address areas for improvement. For patients, these rankings serve as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about where to seek care.
To learn more about hospital safety in North Carolina and how it impacts you, keep reading The Bull City Citizen. Your health, your city—your newspaper.
