Sarasota Memorial Hospital earns 'A' for patient safety

For the eighth straight year, Sarasota Memorial Hospital has earned top marks in patient safety, according to The Leapfrog Group’s 2024 Hospital Safety Report Cards report.

Both SMH-Sarasota and SMH-Venice earned an “A” grade, for how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections, the group said in a May 1 news release.

It was the first time the hospital’s Venice campus, which opened in November 2021, has been graded. 

“Your track record for keeping patients safe is a tremendous achievement shared by few hospitals across the country, and these accomplishments underscore your reputation as an organization focused on patient safety,” Leapfrog officials wrote in Sarasota Memorial’s notification letter.

The letter grades are based on Leapfrog’s 2023 hospital survey data and patient safety outcomes and measures obtained from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from 2020 to 2023.

“Despite a tight labor market, supply shortages and the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, SMH physicians and staff continue to demonstrate their resiliency and resourcefulness and a deep commitment to providing safe, high-quality care to our entire community,” Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder said.

Leapfrog assigned letter grades to nearly 3,000 hospitals. Nearly 30% of hospitals earned an “A,” 26% a “B,” 37% a “C,” 7% a “D” and less than 1% an “F.” 

Other area hospitals receiving grades by The Leapfrog Group include:

• HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital: A
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center: B
• Manatee Memorial Hospital: C
• HCA Florida Blake Hospital: B

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. To view details of the spring 2024 results, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.