This winter, even as the number of COVID-19 patients peaked at Stanford Health Care and Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare, both hospitals achieved excellent patient safety grades from a leading watchdog organization.

The Leapfrog Group gave each hospital an A for avoiding medical errors and other preventable harm during the latest grading period, which ran from December 2020 to April 2021. On Jan. 3, Stanford Health Care had its highest number of patients in the hospital because of COVID-19, while ValleyCare experienced its peak on Dec. 28.

"During the most severe health crisis of our generation, the people of Stanford Health Care continue to shine," said David Entwistle, president and CEO of Stanford Health Care. "This achievement, amid the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, is a testament to their unwavering dedication to delivering exemplary patient care. I couldn't be prouder of our incredible staff, who work tirelessly every day to lift the health of our community."

Leapfrog, a national nonprofit that publishes hospital-safety assessments twice yearly, announced the grades April 29. The organization evaluates more than 2,600 acute-care hospitals each winter and spring, grading them on measures such as staffing levels, administration of medication, patient falls and how quickly staff respond to patient needs.

"We are pleased that the Leapfrog Group has recognized Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare with an A rating for spring of 2021," said Rick Shumway, president and CEO of Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare. "This honor celebrates the dedication and commitment throughout our organization to providing the highest quality of care to our community."

"I'm incredibly proud of our team and their dedication to safety, quality and patient satisfaction, especially during this past year with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information, they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

About Stanford Health Care

Stanford Health Care seeks to heal humanity through science and compassion, one patient at a time, through its commitment to care, education, and discovery. Stanford Health Care delivers clinical innovation across its inpatient services, specialty health centers, physician offices, virtual care offerings and health plan programs.

Stanford Health Care is part of Stanford Medicine, a leading academic health system that includes the Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Stanford Medicine is renowned for breakthroughs in treating cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and surgical and medical conditions.