Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Continues to Lead in Patient Safety Excellence

May 2, 2024

Once again, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) was recognized as a leader in patient safety by Leapfrog Group with five ‘A’ safety grades across the system, including Virginia Mason, St. Joseph and St. Michael Medical Centers, and St. Francis and St. Anthony hospitals.

“These grades reflect our ongoing commitment to the highest levels of patient safety across our health system, our relentless pursuit of excellence and our dedication to delivering high-quality care,” said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and president of the Northwest Region of CommonSpirit Health. “Most importantly, they are a testament to the incredible work our team members are doing every single day to put patients first.” 

This marks the 22nd consecutive ‘A’ safety grade for Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC). It is the only hospital in Washington state — and one of just 15 hospitals nationwide — to earn straight A’s since the Hospital Safety Grade program began in 2012. 

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

“Our culture of continuous improvement is central to our ability to drive consistent and strong patient safety results,” noted Charleen Tachibana, senior vice president and chief quality, safety, and patient experience officer for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “Our teams have a passion and relentless drive to keep advancing patient care at every touch point.” 

The VMFH hospitals recognized in Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2024 Hospital Safety Report includes:

• Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle — A 
• St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor — A 
• St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma — A 
• St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale — A 
• St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way — A 
• St. Anne Hospital in Burien — B 
• St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood — B

  
About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, including 10 hospitals and 300 care sites. Founded in 1891, VMFH embraces its long history of caring for the most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved, and meeting the evolving health care needs of the vibrant, diverse communities it serves. VMFH is a proud home to the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and the Benaroya Research Institute, an internationally recognized institution for autoimmune disease research. VMFH is part of CommonSpirit, one of the nation’s largest health systems, dedicated to advancing health for all people.
 

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