Scottsdale Healthcare hospitals earn 'A' for quality, patient safety

All three Scottsdale Healthcare hospitals receive top grade from nonprofit quality organization

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center and Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital each received an "A" in the latest Hospital Safety Scores released by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit quality improvement organization.

Leapfrog graded 2,618 U.S. hospitals, including 40 in Arizona. Scottsdale Healthcare's three hospitals were among only seven in greater Phoenix to receive an "A," out of a total of 11 in Arizona.

Nationally, only 790 hospitals earned an "A," while 678 received a "B," 1,004 received a "C" and the remaining were given a "D" or "F."

"This is further evidence of our systemwide dedication to putting our patients and families first. The expert physicians and compassionate staff members at our local nonprofit health system make quality, safety and world-class patient care their top priority," said Scottsdale Healthcare President & CEO Tom Sadvary.

The Hospital Safety Score uses 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single score representing a hospital's overall success in keeping patients safe from infections, injuries and medical and medication errors. Sources of data include the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and information hospitals voluntarily report to Leapfrog.

"Hospitals that earn an 'A' have demonstrated their commitment to their patients and their community," said Leapfrog President & CEO Leah Binder.

Run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits, Leapfrog strives to make giant "leaps" forward in the safety, quality and affordability of U.S. healthcare by promoting transparency. Its Hospital Safety Scores are posted on www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2012, Scottsdale Healthcare is the community-based, nonprofit parent organization of the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center and Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare, Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute and Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation. A leader in medical innovation, talent and technology, Scottsdale Healthcare was founded in 1962 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, visit www.shc.org.

SOURCE Scottsdale Healthcare