CONTACT:Nancy Morris

Maine Health Management Coalition

207.844.8106

Jillian Laffrey

The Leapfrog Group

202-292-6713

Ashley Duvall

Stern Strategy Group

(on behalf of The Leapfrog Group)

(908) 325-3865

Patient Safety Improvements Remain Sluggish Nationally, but Maine Hospitals Shine: 2015 Hospital Safety Scores Released

Maine Hospitals Receive Highest Percentage of A Grades Nationally Demonstrating Key Strides in Protecting Patients from Errors, Accidents, Injuries and Infections

Topsham, ME, October 28, 2015 –The Maine Health Management Coalition announced today the release of the Fall 2015 Hospital Safety Scores, published by patient safety nonprofit, The Leapfrog Group. Used by patients across the country to chooser a safer facility for care, theA, B, C, D, and F letter grades were assigned to 2,531 U.S. general hospitals in the latest update. On average, the latest update shows uneven progress on patient safety, but highlights those hospitals taking focused steps to refine safety protocols, improve outcomes, and consistently achieve safer care. In Maine,grades were assigned to 16 hospitals with 11 receiving an A, the highest letter grade. Maine leads the country with the highest percentage of A rated hospitals, with nearly 70% earning the highest distinction.

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“Hospital transparency is essential in providing the safest care for consumers. We’re pleased to recognize the hard work and commitment of all our A hospitals and encourage them to continue making strides for their community,” said Andrew Webber, CEO of the Maine Health Management Coalition.

Those hospitals receiving an A in Maine are:

  • Cary Medical Center
  • Eastern Maine Medical Center
  • Franklin Memorial Hospital
  • Inland Hospital
  • Maine Coast Memorial Hospital
  • Mid Coast Hospital
  • Pen Bay Medical Center
  • SMHC Biddeford Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center of Maine
  • The Aroostook Medical Center
  • York Hospital

“No matter how large or small, no matter what kind of community they serve, all hospitals have the potential to give their patients this high level of safe care,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We are excited by the success of your community’s hospitals and look forward to continuing our work together in providing consumers with a safer health care experience.”

The Hospital Safety Score assigns A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,500 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. For more information about the Hospital Safety Score or to view the list of state rankings, please visit To learn how employers are footing the bill for hospital errors, visit Leapfrog’sCost Calculator. Journalists interested in scheduling an interview with The Leapfrog Group should contact LeapfrogMediaGroup@sternstrategy,com.

About the Maine Health Management Coalition

The Maine Health Management Coalition (MHMC) is a non-profit organization whose over 70 members include public and private purchasers, hospitals, health plans, and doctors working together to measure and report health care value. MHMC helps employers and their employees use this information to make informed decisions.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Hospital Safety Score, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

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