Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Earns 2024 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safety

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. (December 17, 2024) – Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital was named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for the second consecutive year–one of only 15 rural hospitals in the United States to achieve this award. 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 known as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality. 

In addition to the Top Rural Award, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital also earned its 3rd consecutive ‘A’ safety grade from The Leapfrog Group which represents the highest level of achievement in patient safety. This grade is based on rigorous, evidence-based criteria, including infection prevention, error reduction, and safety protocols, demonstrating our dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence. 

“Caring for our communities in Western Nevada County is not just what we do—it’s who we are,” said Dr. Scott Neeley, President and CEO, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. “Earning this prestigious award for the second consecutive year once again affirms our deep commitment to ensuring that our neighbors have access to the highest quality care, right here at home. This recognition belongs to our incredible team, who go above and beyond every day to make a difference in the lives of our patients.” 

Nearly 2,400 hospitals were considered for the award. Among those, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital received a Top Rural distinction, one of only 15 rural hospitals in the United States to do so. A total of 134 Top Hospitals were selected from across the nation, including: 

• 8 Top Children’s 
• 36 Top General 
• 15 Top Rural 
• 75 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, practices for safer surgery, maternity care and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology. 

"Protecting patients from preventable harm is central to The Leapfrog Group’s mission," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital has set the standard for patient safety, earning the prestigious distinction of a Top Hospital. This elite honor reflects

the exceptional efforts of the entire team and places Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital among the nation's elite in health care. Congratulations to all who made this remarkable achievement possible." 

To qualify for the 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, and achieve top performance in their category. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2024 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

About The Leapfrog Group 

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter. 

About Dignity Health 

Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest health systems in California, providing comprehensive care through its network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. Dignity Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities, focusing on delivering compassionate, quality care to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. 

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