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RI Hospitals Earn Top Safety Grades

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/10/ri-hospitals-earn-top-safety-grades.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, March 10th 2026 at 12:42 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Providence, RI - March 10, 2026 - Rhode Island's healthcare landscape continues to demonstrate a commitment to patient well-being, as evidenced by the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. Released today, the report highlights two major healthcare systems in the state - Lifespan and Care New England - as leaders in patient safety within New England.

Lifespan, encompassing Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and Newport Hospital, achieved an 'A' grade, the highest possible rating. Care New England, which includes Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, received a 'B' grade, still indicating a significant dedication to providing safe and effective patient care. These results place both systems among the top ten hospitals in New England for patient safety, a noteworthy achievement in a region known for its high-quality medical institutions.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a nationally recognized metric, evaluating hospitals across the United States based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections, and other types of harm to patients. The grading system employs a rigorous methodology, analyzing data across 27 different measures of patient safety. These measures span a wide range of critical areas, including infection control practices, medication safety, surgical procedures, and the overall hospital environment.

This year's report arrives at a pivotal moment for healthcare. Post-pandemic, hospitals are grappling with increased patient volumes, staffing shortages, and the ongoing need to maintain the highest standards of care. The Leapfrog Group's assessment offers crucial transparency for patients and their families, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

"We're pleased to highlight the hospitals that have demonstrated a commitment to safety," stated Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "This report is a tool to help patients protect themselves and their families from harm. The hospitals that earned an 'A' grade are the safest hospitals in America."

Beyond the headline grades, a deeper look at the contributing factors reveals the specific areas where Lifespan excels. Sources indicate Rhode Island Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center, has invested heavily in advanced infection prevention protocols, utilizing cutting-edge technology and AI-driven analytics to predict and mitigate potential outbreaks. The Miriam Hospital is also noted for its robust medication reconciliation processes, minimizing errors and ensuring patients receive the correct dosages. Newport Hospital's focus on patient communication and engagement, fostering a culture of shared decision-making, has been cited as a key strength.

Care New England's 'B' grade reflects a solid commitment to safety, with particular strengths in maternity care - specifically at Women & Infants Hospital, a regional leader in obstetrics and neonatal care. Kent Hospital has shown improvement in areas related to surgical safety and reducing hospital-acquired conditions. However, reports suggest areas for potential growth in preventing patient falls and optimizing the use of preventative medications.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade isn't merely a report card; it's a catalyst for continuous improvement. Hospitals are increasingly using the data to identify areas for enhancement and benchmark their performance against national standards. The competitive nature of the grading system encourages innovation and the adoption of best practices across the healthcare industry.

The full report and detailed information on each hospital's performance can be found on The Leapfrog Group's website: [ https://www.leapfroggroup.org/ ]. Rhode Island's strong showing in this year's rankings underscores the state's dedication to providing safe, high-quality healthcare to its residents. Experts predict that as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, transparency and patient safety will become even more critical factors in determining the success of healthcare systems.