Source: Fox News
Summary
Healthgrades has released its 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award, recognizing 438 hospitals across 40 states for their exceptional patient safety records. The top-performing states include Texas, Florida, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These hospitals have demonstrated a lower risk of common and serious safety events, including in-hospital falls, collapsed lungs, and catheter-related bloodstream infections. The award is based on an analysis of Medicare inpatient data, evaluating outcomes such as complications, mortality, and preventable safety events.
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This guidance has been heard before.
The advice sounds familiar, as hospitals are once again being recognized for their patient safety records. The 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award highlights the importance of evidence-based safety practices in preventing complications. However, it’s worth noting that 10 states had no hospitals on the list, and experts attribute this to factors such as rural hospital shortages and “care deserts.” The shifting landscape of hospital performance and safety practices across the country is a reminder that patient safety is an ongoing effort.
As Dr. Alana Biggers, a medical advisor at Healthgrades, said, “Hospitals that prioritize evidence-based safety practices not only achieve better clinical outcomes, but also cultivate a culture where patients come first.” Meanwhile, the concentration of high-performing hospitals in certain states may be partly driven by size. The full list of recognized hospitals can be found on the Healthgrades website.
It’s a reminder that hospital safety is a complex issue, and there is still work to be done to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care.
Author: Evan Null
