For the third year in a row, South Texas Health System has been recognized as a 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers.
The special distinction places the system’s four acute care facilities – South Texas Health System McAllen, South Texas Health System Edinburg, South Texas Health System Heart and South Texas Health System Children’s – among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades.
South Texas Health System is one of only two hospital systems in the Rio Grande Valley to receive the award for three consecutive years.
“The safety of our patients is a top priority at South Texas Health System, but it has been especially important during the pandemic. Over the last 14 months, we have worked tirelessly to stay safe, trusted and ready to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients,” says Todd Mann, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System McAllen. “The recognition of South Texas Health System McAllen and our sister acute care facilities is further evidence of STHS’ dedication to raising the standard of care we provide to our community.”
The organization, which judged hospitals based on 13 Patient Safety Indicators (PSI), found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award were on average less likely to experience hip fractures from falls, bed sores, bloodstream infections or a lung event from surgery.
“We’re extremely proud of the extraordinary effort by all of our team members, across each of our facilities, to deliver on our commitment to quality, safety and excellence for every patient, every day,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System Edinburg and South Texas Health System Children’s. “To receive this honor three years in a row truly demonstrates the unwavering focus on clinical safety and the effective care strategies that keep our patients safe.”
During the study period (2017 through 2019), Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals demonstrated excellent performance in patient safety within the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes—risk-adjusted patient safety indicator (PSI) rates—for 13 PSIs defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). A 14th PSI is included in the evaluation – Foreign Objects Left in Body During a Surgery or Procedure – which is a “never” event and does not have an expected rate.
“The importance of hospital quality is now at the forefront of consumer’s minds, especially as we continue to navigate COVID-19. We congratulate the recipients of the Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award for their ongoing commitment to upholding the highest quality standards for their patients and communities,” says Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Healthgrades.
*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2020.0.1) to MedPAR data for years 2017 through 2019 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-hospital healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four hospital campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascularservices, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral Health campus location. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, a specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information on the system, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com
