Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center named Top Teaching Hospitals; Pascack Valley Medical Center was named Top General Hospital
Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, three Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals earned the 2021 Leapfrog Top Hospital award for quality and safety. Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center were named Top Teaching Hospitals nationally by The Leapfrog Group, and Pascack Valley Medical Center was named a Top General Hospital.
Announced today, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers recognized as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.
Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Center also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021, in recognition of their achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.
“Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the patients and communities we serve,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our doctors and team members are true healthcare heroes who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide exceptional, safe patient care. We are incredibly proud of our hospitals for this well-deserved recognition from the Leapfrog Group, placing them among the best in the country. We look forward to continuing to enhance quality and safety standards in New Jersey and beyond.”
Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the award. A total of 149 top hospitals nationwide were selected as Top Hospitals. Among those, Pascack Valley Medical Center was one of 46 hospitals to receive the Top General Hospital distinction, and Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center were among 72 hospitals to be selected as Top Teaching Hospitals.
The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication and other errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology.
“We are pleased to recognize Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Center as a Top Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Even with the continued strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, these Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to excellent health care in their communities. We congratulate the board, leadership, staff and clinicians who put their patients first.”
To qualify for the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.
