Carteret Health Care earned another “A” Hospital Safety Grade this spring from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. This national distinction recognizes Carteret Health’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. 

“Receiving this recognition again marks another significant achievement for everyone connected with Carteret Health Care. This accomplishment highlights the steadfast commitment of our staff to deliver excellent patient care," stated Kyle Marek, CEO of Carteret Health Care. "Patients can trust that our culture prioritizes their well-being above all else."

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 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. 

The Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“Everyone who works at Carteret Health Care should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication of at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Carteret Health Care, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

As the sole community hospital in Carteret County, Carteret Health Care is also the only North Carolina hospital chosen to be a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Local doctors and staff are able to use the latest research, diagnostic and treatment recommendations from Mayo Clinic to develop best treatment plans for Carteret patients.

To see Carteret Health Care’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.