4 Rhode Island Hospitals Recognized For Safety, Experience In New List

RHODE ISLAND — Four hospitals in Rhode Island were among hundreds across the country recently recognized for safety and patient experience by Healthgrades, a comprehensive database of ratings and comparisons for physicians, hospitals and health care providers.

The hospital quality awards announced earlier this month are the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award, presented to 445 hospitals in 44 states, and the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, presented to 419 hospitals in 47 states. Only 83 hospitals, or 2 percent of hospitals nationwide, received both awards, according to a news release.

The safety awards were presented to the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide. These facilities reported zero instances of foreign objects being left behind after a procedure and also have strong safety records on hospital falls that result in hip fractures, collapsed lungs due to a procedure or surgery, pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital, and catheter-related bloodstream infections.

The patient experience awards recognized the top 15 percent of hospitals nationwide, based on criteria such as doctor communication, nurse communication and clear communication about care upon discharge.

The hospitals in Rhode Island that were among those recognized:

• Newport Hospital — Outstanding Patient Experience Award
• South County Hospital, Wakefield — Outstanding Patient Experience Award
• Westerly Hospital — Outstanding Patient Experience Award
• Landmark Medical Center, Woonsocket — Patient Safety Excellence Award.

This was the third straight year Newport and South County hospitals were recognized for patient experience. According to a survey of patients Healthgrades conducted, 86 percent of patients "definitely recommended" South County Hospital, while 77 percent "definitely recommended" Newport Hospital.

This was Westerly Hospital's second consecutive year receiving the award. According to the survey results, 72 percent of patients "definitely recommended" Westerly Hospital.

As for Landmark Medical Center, the hospital received recognition for excellence in preventing infections, medical errors and other preventable complications.

The data used by Healthgrades’ data scientists and clinical experts to compile the scorecards is reviewed annually by the company’s internal Quality Advisory Board and the outside Special Clinical Experts board. Learn more about the methodology.