Beloit Memorial Hospital has secured the top safety rating in Rock County, achieving a B grade in the latest semi-annual Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grades. This Washington, D.C.-based organization evaluates nearly 3,000 hospitals each year, assessing factors such as harm, errors, injuries, and infections through over 30 metrics gathered from voluntary surveys.
The hospital, located at 1969 W. Hart Road, excelled particularly in areas concerning infections, surgical problems, error prevention practices, and staffing. This recognition marks a continuation of the hospital’s strong performance in previous assessments, having received a B grade in the spring of 2024, along with A grades in both the spring and fall of that year. Only Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn achieved an A rating in the region this fall.
In a statement, Lindsay Baumann, marketing manager at Beloit Health System, expressed satisfaction with the B rating but emphasized a commitment to improvement. “While we are pleased that Beloit Memorial has achieved a B rating and is recognized as the best in the county, our administration is not fully satisfied with this ranking,” she stated. Baumann highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols and patient care standards, aiming to elevate the hospital’s rating from a B to an A.
To achieve this goal, the hospital is implementing targeted quality improvement initiatives, investing in staff training, and adopting the latest best practices. “Our goal is to meet and exceed the highest safety standards,” Baumann added.
In contrast, Mercyhealth’s facilities received lower ratings. The Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville and the Javon Bea Hospital Riverside in Rockford both earned a C grade in the latest evaluation. The Janesville facility’s grade reflects an improvement from a D rating earlier in 2024.
Therese Michaels, media relations specialist for Mercyhealth, indicated that the health system’s decision not to participate in the Leapfrog survey impacts its scores. “Mercyhealth does not submit data to Leapfrog for this report,” she explained. However, Michaels noted that the organization participates in other quality programs, such as Healthgrades, which recognized Javon Bea Hospital Riverside as a national leader in patient care, awarding it the America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award for 2024 and 2025.
The Leapfrog Group’s findings underscore the importance of hospital safety ratings as a tool for patients and families seeking quality healthcare. As hospitals continue to navigate challenges, the focus on safety and patient care remains paramount in the healthcare landscape.
