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Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck has been recognized as the best medical facility in the Mid-Hudson region, receiving an "A" grade from The Leapfrog Group. This nonprofit organization assesses the quality and safety of healthcare facilities across the United States. The hospital has maintained this top rating for three consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to patient safety and quality care.
The Leapfrog Group's evaluation considered various factors, including incidences of infections, surgical problems, and practices to prevent errors. Despite a few areas needing improvement, such as a higher incidence of patient falls, Northern Dutchess Hospital excelled in preventing medical errors and maintaining strong infection controls. Hospital President Andy Wilson emphasized the dedication of the staff, stating, "Safety is at the heart of everything we do here."
Other hospitals in the region received varying grades. Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie earned a "B," while HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston and Mid-Hudson Regional Medical Center also in Poughkeepsie received "C" grades. Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson was graded a "D" according to Daily Freeman.
The Leapfrog Group's biannual reports assign grades from "A" to "F" based on how well hospitals prevent medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. These assessments aim to guide hospitals in improving their safety measures and patient care. Leah Binder, president of The Leapfrog Group, remarked that maintaining an "A" grade reflects a hospital's deep-rooted commitment to patient safety as reported by Patch.