HARTFORD, Conn. — For the second consecutive year, all seven Hartford HealthCare hospitals earned "A" grades for safety from The Leapfrog Group, one of the nation's premier hospital watchdog organizations.
This distinction signals the hospitals' ongoing commitment to providing the safest care possible across Connecticut.
"This achievement is for our patients and the communities we serve," said Jeffrey A. Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. "It reinforces that patients can expect the safest care in the country, right here in Connecticut."
The Leapfrog Group’s safety grades are highly regarded by patients, with hospitals earning D or F grades associated with a 92% higher risk of avoidable death. Alongside the hospital ratings, Hartford HealthCare's ambulatory surgery centers in Cheshire and Wilton were also named "Top ASCs," praised for their excellence in patient safety and quality standards. Additionally, Hartford Hospital was recognized as a Top Teaching Hospital, a distinction awarded to just 75 hospitals nationwide in 2023.
Hartford HealthCare’s success is built on strong leadership, a culture of safety and a robust commitment to continuous improvement. The health system has reduced serious safety events by 39% and hospital-acquired infections by 40% since 2019.
"At Hartford HealthCare, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s part of our culture," said Stephanie Calcasola, vice president of Quality and Safety. "We focus on reducing human error, preventing infections and empowering our staff to speak up about safety concerns."
Efforts include initiatives such as bedside checklists to detect infections early, standardized processes for infection prevention and using thermal technology to prevent pressure ulcers. Additionally, the system’s antibiotic stewardship program has helped limit over-prescription, reducing the risk of harmful infections like C.diff and MRSA.
"As a high-reliability organization, we’ve created an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to patient safety," said Dr. Ajay Kumar, chief clinical officer.
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