National hospital safety grades released—see which Birmingham hospitals received an “A”

Princeton2 National hospital safety grades released—see which Birmingham hospitals received an "A"
Patient safety is a priority at all of our Birmingham healthcare institutions. Photo via Princeton Baptist Medical Center

Birmingham is home to some of the most outstanding healthcare facilities and institutions in the state, if not the entire Southeast. The latest national Hospital Safety Grades have been released, and we’ve got the scoop. See how Birmingham hospitals stacked up!

About the Grades

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades assigns grades to over 2,600 general acute-care hospitals across the nation twice a year. This evaluation is considered the gold standard for measuring patient safety.

The methodology for determining the grades is detailed. We’re talking 28+ points detailed. They look at factors such as:

  • How hospitals manage risks
  • The responsiveness of the staff
  • Success rates on various procedures and surgeries
  • Culture, structures and systems surrounding patient safety
  • Plus a whole lot more. Curious about the specifics? Read the full scoring methodology here.

Quick disclaimer: this grading system ranks any given category from 0-100. A 100 score means “Fully Meets the Standard.” A 0-25 score means “Declined to Respond” or “Pending Verification.” All this to say that if a hospital doesn’t actively share reports, results could be skewed or incomplete.

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades evaluated 10 Birmingham-area hospitals this year.

Who Got an A

Princeton Baptist Medical Center

Walker Baptist Medical

Who Got a B

UAB Hospital

UAB Highlands

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

  • Affiliated with: Brookwood Baptist Health
  • Address: 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Birmingham
  • Phone: (833) 251-9895
  • Website

Shelby Baptist Medical Center

  • Affiliated with: Brookwood Baptist Health
  • Address: 1000 First Street N. Alabaster
  • Phone: (833) 251-9898
  • Website

Who Got a C

Grandview Medical Center

Medical West Hospital Authority

Note

Several institutions within the Ascension St. Vincent’s system were included in these rankings. According to this article by the BBJ, “Representatives of Ascension St. Vincent’s said the hospital system did not actively report metrics to the Leapfrog Group, which resulted in an incomplete picture of its safety data.”

This Just In: Congratulations, UAB!

In the realm of recognition for Birmingham hospitals, the good news keeps pouring in. UAB Hospital recently made Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Great Hospitals in America, 2020. They were the only hospital in the state to earn this recognition.

We’re so grateful for all of the wonderful work our local healthcare heroes do every single day.

Beth Cunningham
Beth Cunningham

A Birmingham transplant who can usually be found hitting a new hiking trail or restaurant opening when she's not writing stories and snapping photos for Bham Now.

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