Flagler Health + Flagler Hospital Earns 2021 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safety

St. Augustine, Fla. December 7, 2021 – Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Flagler Health + Flagler Hospital was named a Top General Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group. Announced today, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers recognized as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.

"Our team members have been working tirelessly on the front lines and behind the scenes throughout the pandemic to make this top-tier care possible, while overcoming the unique challenges of COVID-19,” said Jason Barrett, President & CEO of Flagler Health+. “This level of dedication to quality and safety distinguishes the kind of care that patients can and should expect from Flagler Health+. Our standards are high because that is what our patients deserve, and that’s what we would expect for our own loved ones.”

“To be recognized as one of the top-50 general hospitals in the country is a significant honor, and one that will be greatly cherished by our staff and community physicians who have selflessly worked to make this possible,” added Executive Vice President & Chief Physician Executive, David Rice.

Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the award and 149 were selected. Among those, Flagler Health + Flagler Hospital received a Top General Hospital distinction; one of only 46 in the nation. National Top Hospital recognitions included:

• 8 Top Children’s
• 46 Top General
• 23 Top Rural
• 72 Top Teaching

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication and other errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology.

“We are pleased to recognize Flagler Health + Flagler Hospital as a Top Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Even with the continued strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, Flagler Health + Flagler Hospital has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to excellent health care in the St. Augustine community. We congratulate the board, leadership, staff and clinicians who put their patients first.”

To qualify for the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.