Philadelphia is home to some of the nation’s top hospitals. Unfortunately, not all healthcare facilities in the city are up to high standards. This is needed for patient safety, care quality, and overall satisfaction.
What are the worst hospitals in Philadelphia? In this blog, we will look at some of these facilities that rank at the bottom of the list.
Qualifications for Grades
There are several grading systems, but one of the most reliable is Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades. This survey evaluates hospitals based on patient safety.
The grades range from A to F. They assess hospitals on factors like infection prevention, surgical safety, and overall patient outcomes.
Leapfrog uses data from trusted sources like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and its own hospital survey to evaluate facilities.
While most hospitals fall into the A to C categories, some have D and F ratings. In these cases, there are safety concerns involving:
- Frequent medical errors, especially during surgery and in the emergency room
- Poor infection control
- High complication rates
These grades could indicate that safety measures are not in place to avoid issues, mainly those that can lead to medical malpractice claims.
Fortunately, no hospitals with an F grade are in the Philadelphia area. However, two have received D ratings. Which hospitals failed to make the grade? Here’s a look at the worst in the area.
Taylor Hospital
Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park recently received a D rating from the Leapfrog Group. One of the major issues identified at Taylor Hospital is its struggle with infection control. The hospital has seen high rates of hospital-acquired infections. These can lead to severe complications for patients, especially those with weakened immune systems.
The hospital has also faced challenges with surgical complications. Reports show higher-than-average rates of post-operative infections and other surgical injuries, which can prolong recovery times and lead to long-term health problems.
Taylor Hospital has been found lacking in several key patient safety practices. This includes medication administration, fall prevention, and other avoidable incidents.
Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, also received a D rating from the Leapfrog Group. Like Taylor Hospital, their major concern centers around its infection control practices. The hospital has reported higher-than-expected rates of hospital-acquired infections.
This facility is also facing challenges with surgical care. The facility has experienced a higher-than-average rate of surgical complications, including postoperative infections and other preventable adverse events. These complications extend recovery times and lead to long-term health problems for patients.
Patient safety at Crozer-Chester has been another point of concern. The hospital has been criticized for lapses in safety protocols, leading to medication mistakes and falls.
Many other Philadelphia-area hospitals have made the C list from Leapfrog. These facilities include:
- Chester County Hospital
- Cooper University Hospital
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Cedar Avenue
- Jefferson Bucks
- Jefferson Frankford
- Jefferson Lansdale Hospital
- Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
- Nazareth Hospital
- Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
- Pennsylvania Hospital
- Phoenixville Hospital
- Pottstown Hospital
- Saint Francis Hospital
- Mary Medical Center
- Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital
- Virtua Mount Holly Hospital
- Virtua Willingboro Hospital
What Could a Low Grade Mean for You?
It could have serious legal implications if you’re receiving care at a hospital with a C-grade or below, especially if things go wrong.
A low grade may signal issues that can lead to patient harm. In a negligence case, a patient might argue that these lapses in care were behind their injuries.
Hospitals have a legal duty to provide a certain level of care, and a C-grade or below might suggest they’re not meeting those standards.
This can play a big role in medical malpractice cases if it can be shown that subpar practices cause harm.
If you or a loved one has been affected, knowing the hospital’s grade could be an important part of your case. At Shrager, Sachs & Blanco, we can help you understand how a hospital’s grade might impact your legal options.
