Hackensack Meridian Health Hospitals Earn Most “A” Safety Grades in New Jersey from The Leapfrog Group, Reflecting Dedication to Quality and Patient Safety

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, is proud to announce that eight of its hospitals – the most of any health network in New Jersey – earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center are among an elite group nationwide to be designated as a “Straight A” hospital. “Straight A” hospitals have earned an “A” in at least five consecutive cycles of the Hospital Safety Grade.

Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals receiving an “A” rating for safety from Leapfrog include:

• Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center – Elite “Straight A” designation
• Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Elite “Straight A” designation
• Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center – Elite “Straight A” designation
• Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center
• Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center

“Quality is in our DNA. This achievement from Leapfrog underscores our dedication of our world-class team to redefine healthcare and advance the highest standards of safety and quality,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We’re changing the way healthcare is delivered by expanding access to innovative, patient-centered care that meets people where they are. It is our mission to ensure that the communities we serve have access to exceptional care close to home – and these safety ratings prove we’re making that a reality across the state of New Jersey, and beyond.”

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“Every decision we make for the network is rooted in our commitment to deliver the safest care for each and every one of our patients,” said Jose M. Azar, M.D., executive vice president, chief quality officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “These results reflect the dedication of our team members and the tremendous efforts they make every day to keep our communities healthy and ensure every patient receives world-class care.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“Earning eight ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grades means Hackensack Meridian Health made a true commitment to put patient safety first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

To see Hackensack Meridian Health’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.