Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates Baptist Health as one of only 867 hospitals in the U.S. to receive the highest grade

All four Baptist Health adult hospitals – Baptist Jacksonville, Baptist South, Baptist Nassau and Baptist Beaches have received ‘A’ ratings in the spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in providing the safest healthcare for patients.  

“Our ‘A’ ratings show that we are committed to providing safe, high-quality patient care in all situations,” said David Rice, MD, senior vice president and chief quality officer for Baptist Health. “Our healthcare teams are dedicated to collaboration and open communication – two keys to success in achieving the highest quality standards in our hospitals.”  

Baptist Health’s safety and quality protocols have been further enhanced during the COVID-19 crisis through a number of additional measures. Separate respiratory care units for COVID-19 patients, designated staff and equipment for COVID-19 rooms, and the use of advanced UV technology for decontamination are among the many safety reinforcements the health system has implemented. 

“Patients can have peace of mind that their safety always comes first, especially as we move toward resuming all of our regular medical services,” said Dr. Rice. 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms among patients in their care. Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

 “As the nation copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and healthcare workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We hope this ‘A’ helps to thank the people who work and volunteer for Baptist Health. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need.”

 The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to healthcare quality and safety. The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and updated every six months, assessing how well the hospital prevents medical errors and other harms to patients.

Due to executive orders by City of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Florida Governor DeSantis for all non-essential businesses to close, the Heritage Publishing Inc. office will be closed.

However, you may still reach us by phone. Our telephone number will be forwarded to our publisher’s mobile number at 904-610-5317. 

May we all stay safe and healthy through these difficult times.

Florida Blue Foundation gives $300,000 grant to Baptist AgeWell to strengthen House Calls program

More seniors with complex medical needs in Northeast Florida will now have access to Baptist AgeWell’s House Calls program, made possible by a $300,000 three-year grant from Florida Blue Foundation. House Call brings the unique AgeWell care model directly to a patient’s home, expanding access to quality healthcare for seniors with complex medical needs that make office visits difficult.

The House Calls program, which began in October 2015, provides routine primary care services that are typically provided in a doctor’s office, such as taking vital signs, listening to the heart and lungs, and following up to make sure all medications are being taken. Home visits are made by nurse practitioners and geriatricians who oversee the care.

House Calls is part of Baptist AgeWell, an enriched type of primary care in Northeast Florida for people ages 65+ who want to be proactive with their health to live more independent and productive lives. Board-certified doctors, along with nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, rehab therapists, social workers and psychologists have a unique, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to managing health.

“We are grateful to Florida Blue Foundation for providing the grant that will expand our social services team for the House Calls Program,” said Earl Evens, executive director of Baptist Health’s AgeWell Institute. “Being able to replicate our model of care in the homes of patients who are not able to make it to the office is invaluable to older adults in the Jacksonville community.”

The Community Health Needs Assessment in Northeast Florida from May 2019 highlighted the significant need for expanded access to healthcare, particularly for seniors. The grant for the House Calls program will greatly enhance care for this growing demographic, responding to a critical community need. During the next three years, AgeWell expects to make nearly 6,400 home visits and provide care to more than 545 patients who otherwise may not receive much-needed primary care services.

“The Baptist AgeWell House Calls program aligns with the mission of the Florida Blue Foundation to help people and communities achieve better health,” said Florida Blue Foundation Vice President Susan Towler. “The Foundation strategically allocates grants toward community-based solutions through its focus areas and programs that focus on health solutions in the healthcare system, multicultural and growing populations, and critical issues of affordability, access and quality. The House Calls program is vitally important for many seniors in the Jacksonville community.”