Stamford Hospital Gets a 'C,' Norwalk a 'B' in Safety

Stamford Hospital has just been given a grade of "C" in safety by a national group concerned with hospital safety. Norwalk Hospital received a "B."

The ratings were given out and announced Monday by the Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

Greenwich Hospital received an "A," as did St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport. Bridgeport Hospital was graded a "C," and Danbury Hospital scored a "B." All the ratings, together with more information, are on the Hospital Safety Group website.

"The Leapfrog Group board has been frustrated with the lack of progress in improving patient safety, despite significant industry efforts over the past decade," David Knowlton, immediate past chair of The Leapfrog Group Board of Directors and chair of The Leapfrog Group’s Patient Safety Committee, said in a news release. “It is time for a game changer. It’s time to give American families the heads-up they need to protect themselves if they face the need for a hospital stay.”

An article in The Advocate of Stamford reported, "Stamford Hospital, which received a "C," said it is analyzing the results of the rankings and pointed patients to the federal government's Hospital Compare site, on which Stamford has favorable quality results."

A spokeswoman for the Connecticut Hospital Association questioned the accuracy of the survey, according to The Advocate's report.

"We hope people will use this score to talk with their doctor, make informed decisions about where to seek care, and take the right precautions during a hospital stay," said Leah Binder, president and CEO, The Leapfrog Group