Cape Coral Hospital named 2016 Top Hospital
Cape Coral Hospital has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in the United States.
Last week, Lee Health’s Cape facility and the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida were listed among the 2016 Top Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit watchdog organization. Only 115 hospitals nationwide achieved the distinction, which both local facilities earned for the first time.
“It’s the first time we’ve received it,” Scott Kashman, chief administrative officer for Cape Coral Hospital, said on Tuesday. “We were very proud of that recognition.”
According to The Leapfrog Group, Top Hospitals have better systems in place to prevent medication errors, higher quality on maternity care and high-risk procedures, and lower readmission rates. The award is not given to a set number of hospitals, but rather to all facilities that meet the high standards.
Cape Coral Hospital was one of seven facilities in Florida to be named a Top General Hospital. The Golisano Children’s Hospital was one of three in the state to be named a Top Children’s Hospital.
“We are excited to received the distinction of being one of only 56 general hospitals in the country to be named a Top Hospital,” Kashman said.
He added that the staff was proud to learn of the recognition.
“It’s really a culmination of work that they’re doing every day,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Cape facility earned an ‘A’ for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. Kashman explained that only a few years ago, the Cape Coral Hospital received a ‘D’ rating from the group.
“Over the past couple of years, we’ve brought that up to an ‘A,'” he said.
Following the ‘D’ rating, the hospital took a hard look at the information and feedback.
“We looked at the areas where we had gaps,” Kashman said
For example, hospital-acquired conditions and infections was one area that needed improvement, as well as having enough critical care physicians in the Intensive Care Unit to provide 24/7 coverage.
“There were three or four areas where we had to focus and make daily improvements,” he said.
Kashman noted that the team stayed focused and worked hard.
“It’s a significant improvement,” he said. “We’re very proud to see that.”
Kashman added that the dedication, however, is not unique to Cape Coral Hospital.
“The work that we’re seeing here, we’re seeing across the health system,” he said. “Patient safety is the No. 1 core value of our hospital and the entire Lee Health system. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of compassionate, safe care for every patient and family in our care.”
Leah Binder, chief executive officer of The Leapfrog Group, reported that being acknowledged as a Top Hospital is a feat achieved by less than 3 percent of the hospitals throughout the country.
“With this honor, Cape Coral Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital have established their commitment to safer and higher quality care,” she said. “Providing this level of care to patients requires motivation and drive from every team member.”
For more information about Lee Health or its facilities, visit: www.leehealth.org/.
For more about The Leapfrog Group, visit: www.leapfroggroup.org/.
Cape Coral Hospital is at 636 Del Prado Blvd.
The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is at 9981 S. Healthpark Drive, Fort Myers.