The percentage of New Jersey facilities earning A grades in the Fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grades boosted the state to the No. 5 position nationwide. Here’s what Garden State health care leaders had to say about the latest report.

Atlantic Health System

Two Atlantic Health System facilities earned A grades: Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center. The former has maintained the mark since Fall 2015, while the latter has held a consistent A since Spring 2021, AHS said.

“The consistent recognition of multiple A grades from Leapfrog is a clear reflection of our commitment to safety and quality. That commitment is central to the way our physicians, nurses and team members at Morristown and Overlook deliver exceptional care for our patients and their loved ones.”
— Scott Leighty, executive vice president and chief health System officer, Atlantic Health System

Englewood Health

Englewood Hospital in Englewood received an A grade. The provider said it’s achieved the mark for an impressive 23 rating periods, dating to the establishment of The Leapfrog Group safety grade in 2012. Additionally, Englewood said it is one of only four hospitals in New Jersey to receive straight As since 2019.

“We are proud to receive an ‘A’ rating from The Leapfrog Group. Patient safety is a top priority at Englewood Hospital—and achieving an A grade, again this rating period, means our entire team has maintained laser focus on each patient’s safety. Thank you to everyone at Englewood Hospital, whose commitment to the safety of our patients is reflected in this top safety grade.”
— Kathleen Kaminsky, senior vice president of patient care services, chief nursing officer, Englewood Hospital

Hackensack Meridian Health

Twelve Hackensack Meridian Health facilities received ratings in the fall Leapfrog release. All earned either an A or B grade. Achieving As were:

• Bayshore Medical Center
• Hackensack University Medical Center
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center
• Ocean University Medical Center
• Palisades Medical Center
• Pascack Valley Medical Center
• Riverview Medical Center

“Hackensack Meridian Health is dedicated to providing the safest, highest quality care to the patients and communities we serve. This national patient safety recognition from Leapfrog once again underscores our commitment to excellence across all of our hospitals and team members. We will continue to exceed industry standards and deliver innovative, compassionate care as we pursue our goal of improving health outcomes.”
— Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health

Holy Name

Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck also kept up its spring A, achieving the same rating this fall.

“The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only rating program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries. This recognition from Leapfrog validates Holy Name’s commitment to our patients’ well-being and the community’s trust in us. Ensuring safety and delivering quality care is at the core of everything we do. From staff training to patient protocols, we are focused on protecting our patients and supporting their recovery in the safest environment possible.”
— Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Holy Name

Jefferson

For the fifth consecutive time, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital earned an A in the fall grades. Jefferson’s two other New Jersey facilities – Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital and Jefferson Stratford Hospital – both earned B grades.

“At a time when healthcare organizations are more vital than ever to the communities we serve, it is rewarding to be recognized by Leapfrog for our ongoing commitment to patient safety. As a ‘Straight A’ facility, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has earned an ‘A’ in at least five consecutive Hospital Safety Grade cycles –- an uncommon and impressive achievement that makes a facility truly stand out in terms of patient quality and safety.”
— Aaron Chang, East region president, Jefferson

RWJBarnabas Health

The fall assessment awarded A grades to six RWJBarnabas facilities:

• Community Medical Center in Toms River
• Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch
• Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
• RWJUH Rahway
• RWJUH Somerset

Meanwhile, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and Jersey City Medical Center received B ratings. The latest release marks RWJUH Rahway’s seventh straight A rating and the fourth in a row for both CMC and MMCSC, according to RWJBarnabas Health.

“RWJBarnabas Health is proud to lead the way in advancing patient safety and quality care across our health system. Our facilities’ consistent achievements in performance and patient-centered care against national safety and quality benchmarks highlight our teams’ dedication to upholding the highest standards of care at every level that result in the best possible patient outcomes.”
— Dr. Andy Anderson, executive vice president, chief medical and quality officer, RWJBarnabas Health

Saint Peter’s University Hospital

Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick earned an A grade, maintaining the high mark from the spring assessment.

“We realize that patients and their families have options when choosing where they are treated. The Leapfrog Group provides an important service to consumers by supplying them with data and metrics that reflect the safety standards and protocols in place at specific facilities. Safety is one of the most important factors impacting patient outcomes and I’m proud to credit the team at Saint Peter’s for once again receiving the highest safety grade. We always strive to not only meet, but to exceed safety standards. This validation from a respected third party like The Leapfrog Group provides added assurance and comfort to our patients in choosing Saint Peter’s for their care.”
— Leslie Hirsch, president and CEO, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

You can find detailed hospital performance information as well as grades for individual hospitals on The Leapfrog Group’s website.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:12 a.m. EDT Nov. 20, 2024, to include remarks from Atlantic Health System.