Guadalupe Regional Medical Center received both the 2021 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety, as well as an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Both national distinctions recognize GRMC’s achievements in providing safer health care, and safe surgery practices and lower rates for complications and infections.

The Women’s Choice Award signifies that GRMC is in the top 2% of 4,542 U.S. hospitals for patient safety. “Receiving this award once again and being named top 2% in the nation for patient safety is only made possible by the commitment and high quality care provided by all of our physicians and medical staff every day”, says says Daphne Blake, RN, MSN, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer. “This national recognition highlights our dedicated staff who continue to deliver an exceptional experience for the patients and families we have the privilege to serve.”

To receive the award, hospitals must also use an Inpatient Safe Surgery Checklist to assess effective communication and safe practices during three perioperative periods: prior to administration of anesthesia; prior to skin incision; and prior to the patient leaving the operating room or procedural area. “Not all hospitals can say they are the safest in the country, and by identifying those who are, the Women’s Choice Award is helping the female consumer identify the hospitals in her community that are dedicated to creating the safest patient experience,” said Delia Passi, Founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “This recognition is critical for women as they make over 80% of healthcare decisions and need to know they are putting themselves—and their family members—in the safest hands.”

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center was also awarded an ‘A’ grade, when Leapfrog updated grades for fall 2020. To see GRMC’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org. “It is an honor to again be recognized for an ‘A’ in patient safety by The Leapfrog Group,” said Robert Haynes, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. To be identified as an outstanding facility for quality and safety, during a widespread pandemic, is an immense achievement. It is rewarding to see the hard work the staff at GRMC are practicing on a daily basis continues to be recognized on a national level.”

“We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and health care workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ‘A’ is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. With the current pandemic exposing existing flaws within the U.S. health care system, we appreciate you putting patient safety first. Lives depend on it.”