Lexington Hospitals Achieve Top Safety Ratings

Lexington, KY – Baptist Health Lexington and Baptist Health Richmond have both been awarded the prestigious “A” rating for hospital safety for fall 2024 by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization. This accolade recognizes hospitals that excel in protecting patients from harm and medical errors.

The recognition is part of an ongoing evaluation by The Leapfrog Group, which updates hospital grades biannually, in the fall and spring. Baptist Health Lexington has now achieved this top rating for the 14th consecutive time, making it one of just 78 hospitals nationwide to earn this distinction, and notably, the only hospital in Kentucky to do so.

“Our commitment has always been to put our patients first. It is at the heart of everything we do,” said Chris Roty, president of Baptist Health Lexington. He emphasized that this national recognition reflects the hospital’s dedication to safety, excellence, and the role each team member plays in fostering a secure environment for patient care.

Baptist Health Richmond’s president, Greg D. Gerard, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication that our staff brings to our hospital every single day.”

The Leapfrog Group’s grading system evaluates general hospitals based on over 30 national performance measures. These measures assess incidents of medical mistakes, accidents, injuries, and infections, alongside the preventative systems hospitals implement. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program is unique, as it exclusively examines hospitals’ efforts to minimize medical errors and patient harm. The evaluation process is peer-reviewed, transparent, and accessible to the public.

Healthcare leaders in Lexington have expressed pride in the acknowledgment, viewing it as a prime example of their ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety and quality care. “We are continuously striving to provide the safest care for our patients,” Gerard added, emphasizing the organization’s enduring commitment to health and safety standards.

This distinguished recognition further reinforces the commitment of Baptist Health Lexington and Richmond to prioritize patient safety in their operations. As these hospitals undertake initiatives to improve healthcare quality, they remain dedicated to ensuring that patients can trust the care they receive.