Hospital Safety Rankings: A Streak Continues as Infections Fall Post-COVID

Just under 25% of Illinois hospitals received A grades in the latest safety ratings from The Leapfrog Group, with 18% of Chicago's eligible hospitals earning A grades. The ratings assess safety procedures, focusing on preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. Leapfrog tracks infections associated with central lines, MRSA, and urinary tract infections. Preventable infections spiked during the pandemic but are now declining in Leapfrog-graded hospitals. University of Chicago Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital have maintained A ratings since 2012. St. Bernard Hospital, which previously received an F, has made improvements and now celebrates its second consecutive top grade. Rush University Medical Center has consistently earned high ratings since 2012. The overall safety scores in Illinois ranked 28th out of 50 states, and Leapfrog encourages hospitals to continue improving patient care.