New Yorkers may be concerned about the quality of care they will receive when they enter the hospital for surgery or other serious medical treatment. A spring 2018 safety report card issued by the Leapfrog Group noted that standards had improved at four hospitals in Central New York while safety grades had declined at four additional medical centers in the region. The report is issued twice a year and assigns letter grades-- A, B, C, D and F -- to hospital safety practices across the country.
The reports focus on errors, accidents, injuries, infections and other potential signs of hospital negligence. Collectively, hospital-acquired injuries and infections are the third major cause of death across the country each year. In order to develop the report cards, Leapfrog examined 27 measures that are available in public reports in order to determine the overall score a medical center will receive. The report card examines how effectively hospitals protect patients from medical mistakes and other forms of preventable harm.
While Leapfrog advises that people should never refuse treatment during an emergency due to being concerned about a particular hospital's score, the ratings can help patients make decisions about planned surgeries and other necessary hospital care. There are several Central New York hospitals that received an A grade for safety, including St. Joseph's Health in Syracuse and the Oneida Healthcare Center. However, three more received a D grade. Throughout New York state, five hospitals received an F, including three Brooklyn medical centers, one in Patchogue and one in Staten Island.
Individuals who have experienced infections, injuries and other negative medical consequences as a result of hospital negligence or doctor errors can suffer ongoing consequences as a result. A medical malpractice attorney can consult with patients about their situation and determine the potential of moving forward with a case to pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Source: Syracuse.com, 'How safe are Central New York hospitals? See latest safety grades," May 9, 2018
MANHATTAN LAW OFFICE
122 East 42nd Street Suite 3800
New York, NY 10168
Tel: 212-LAWYERS
Tel: 212-697-9280
QUEENS LAW OFFICE
8900 Sutphin Blvd Suite 501
Queens, NY 11435
Tel: (718) 399-3100
*By Appointment Only