CENTRALIA, IL – SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021. This national distinction recognizes SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.

“Receiving the “A” once again confirms that team members at St. Mary’s Hospital take the time and effort to ensure patient safety is a top priority,” said Cari Simpson MSN, RN, CPHRM, Regional Patient Safety Specialist for SSM Health Illinois. “Patients put their trust in us, so we do our best to make sure they are protected and well cared for.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a tremendous achievement, of which this community should be extremely proud,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I thank the leadership and workforce of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for its commitment to prioritizing patients and their safety, especially during these trying times.”

To see SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.