Three North Bay hospitals received "A" grades for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, considered the industry standard for hospital surveys.
Kaiser Permanente hospitals in San Rafael and Santa Rosa and St. Joseph Health-operated Petaluma Valley Hospital each received the ranking from the Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.
The group released its first-ever hospital safety scores in June, but updated the scores this month with more recent data, resulting in Kaiser's San Rafael hospital to move from a "B" grade to an "A" grade, according to Kaiser, while its Santa Rosa hospital maintained its initial "A" grade.
[caption id="attachment_19984" align="alignleft" width="108"] Judy Coffey[/caption]
“Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Marin and Sonoma counties are consistently recognized for providing high-quality health care in the communities we serve,” said Judy Coffey, RN, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser's Marin-Sonoma region. “This score reflects the ability of our physicians, nurses, and staff to put our patients and members first."
The Hospital Safety Score was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D, or F for their safety. Data from more than 2,600 hospitals in the U.S. were examined.
“The ‘A’ grade from Leapfrog for our hospital demonstrates our commitment to patient safety each and every day,” said Jane Read, vice president of operations at Petaluma Valley. “Providing high quality care and ensuring patient safety are always our top priorities. We are proud of this recognition and this tribute to the hard work of our doctors, nurses and hospital team.”***
Sound Physicians, a Tacoma-based hospitalist organization, announced an agreement to provide comprehensive hospitalist services at Sonoma Valley Hospital.
The more than 500-strong physician group said it will introduce performance management solutions to the 83-bed district hospital, including use of its SoundConnect workflow and informatics system to help improve inpatient care outcomes as well as financial performance. The group will also help with building "high-performing hospitalist practices," including strong physician leadership, implementation of lean processes to drive results and core services of revenue cycle management and a track record of physician recruiting success.
"Sound Physicians brings proven hospitalist program experience and a strong focus on creating infrastructure, fostering medical staff and patient satisfaction, and managing quality and financial performance goals," Dr. Robert Cohen, chief medical officer of Sonoma Valley Hospital, said in a statement.
In 2011, Sound Physicians acquired the Bay Area Inpatient Group, which is associated with Fairfield-based NorthBay Healthcare. Sound Physicians said it provides inpatient services to more than 50 hospitals and post-acute care centers around the U.S.
In other news, the Sonoma Valley Healthcare District recently selected Bill Boerum as its new board chair while welcoming welcoming a new board member in Jane Hirsch.
Mr. Boerum, the longest serving member on the district board, was unanimously approved as the board chair, replacing Peter Hohorst, who will become first vice president of the board. Ms. Hirsch, who recently ran unopposed for her seat, was voted the second vice president of the board. Sharon Nevins will continue to serve as the board's treasurer and Kevin Carruth will maintain his position as secretary.***
