Infections among cited safety concerns at Wichita hospitals, watchdog group says
.jpg "Wesley Medical Center got an A grade from a national watchdog organization that reviews patient safety. Here’s how other Wichita hospitals compared.")
Various infections and collapsed lungs were among some of the patient safety concerns highlighted in Wichita-area hospitals recently in a report released by a national watchdog group.
Four out of five hospitals with a Wichita address scored higher safety grades than they did last fall, while one scored lower.
The Leapfrog Group provides ratings and safety data for about 3,000 hospitals across the country twice a year, and the first of 2023 came out this month. All of Leapfrog’s ratings are available to the public, and you can research facilities by city and state.
The group’s spring ratings found nationally, health care-associated infections remain high after reaching a five-year peak during the coronavirus pandemic. The report found that since 2021 in U.S. hospitals, central line-associated bloodstream infections increased by 60%, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased by 37% and catheter-associated urinary tract infections increased by 19%.
“The dramatic spike in HAIs reported in this Safety Grade cycle should stop hospitals in their tracks —infections like these can be life or death for some patients,” President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group Leah Binder said in the May 3 release. “We recognize the tremendous strain the pandemic put on hospitals and their workforce, but alarming findings like these indicate hospitals must recommit to patient safety and build more resilience.”
The report also found patient experienced has recently seen a decline.
Here’s what to know about the safety grades of Wichita hospitals.
Ascension Via Christi - St. Francis
Spring 2023: A
Fall 2022: C
Spring 2022: C
St. Francis scored below average in the following categories:
- MRSA Infection
- C. diff infection
- Surgical site infection after colon surgery
- Serious breathing problem
- Patient falls and injuries
- Communication with doctors
- Communication with nurses
“Maintaining a safe environment in which to give and receive care is at the heart of our Mission,” St. Francis President Joy Scott said in a press release. “It is literally the reason we are here.”
Ascension Via Christi- St. Joseph
Spring 2023: B
Fall 2022: B
Spring 2022: B
St. Joseph scored below average in the following categories:
- MRSA infection
- Infection in the blood
- Infection on the urinary tract
- Serious breathing problem
- Patient falls and injuries
- Safe medication administration
- Communication with doctors
- Communication with nurses
St. Joseph did not report data on surgical site infections after colon surgery, according to Leapfrog.
Ascension Via Christi - St. Teresa
Spring 2023: B
Fall 2022: A
Spring 2022: A
St. Theresa scored below average in the following categories:
- C. diff infection
- Sepsis infection after surgery
- Blood leakage
- Serious breathing problems
- Safe medication administration
- Handwashing
St. Teresa did not report MRSA infections, infections in the blood, infection in the urinary tract and deaths from serious treatable conditions, according to Leapfrog.
“All of our Ascension hospitals statewide performed very well, which we believe reflects our commitment to continuous quality improvement,” Sam Antonios, Ascension Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, said in an emailed statement to the Eagle about all the Ascension hospitals, including St. Joseph and St. Teresa.
Wesley Medical Center
Spring 2023: A
Fall 2022: C
Spring 2022: B
Wesley scored below average in the following categories:
- Infection in the blood
- Collapsed lung
- Safe medication administration
- Handwashing
- Communication about discharge
- Effective leadership to prevent errors
- Specially trained doctors care for intensive care unit patients
- Responsiveness of hospital staff
“Wesley Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to patient safety, even during the most difficult part of the pandemic, is demonstrated by this achievement in high-quality ratings,” President and CEO of Wesley Healthcare Bill Voloch said in a May 3 press release. “Leapfrog’s efforts to make hospital safety and quality measures transparent and accessible are appreciated. I am deeply grateful to our colleagues and providers for ensuring our patients can expect the highest quality care.”
Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER
Spring 2023: A
Fall 2022: B
Spring 2022: A
Wesley Woodlawn scored below average in the following categories:
- Collapsed lung
- Safe medication administration
- Handwashing
- Communication about discharge
- Effective leadership to prevent errors
- Responsiveness with hospital staff
Wesley Woodlawn did not provide data about MRSA infections, infections in the blood and surgical site infections after colon surgery, according to Leapfrog.
How to use The Leapfrog Group safety scores
The grades are calculated using up to 30 national performance measures, according to Leapfrog’s website. The measures are then used to produce a letter grade: A, B, C, D or F. The full methodology is available on Leapfrog’s website.
The purpose of the grades is to inform consumers on safety and quality issues at area hospitals. The grades are not meant to be used to deny emergency care.
Instead, Leapfrog suggests the public consider the scores when planning for a procedure, like a surgery or childbirth.
This article was updated at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, to use a file photo, rather than a specific institution at the request of Wesley Healthcare.
This story was originally published May 15, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
