JUST IN: The latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluations reveal significant results for local hospitals in Georgia, underscoring their commitment to patient safety. Colquitt Regional Hospital in Moultrie has achieved an impressive 21st consecutive ‘A’, while Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany received a ‘C’ rating, indicating a pressing need for improvement.
The Leapfrog Group’s biannual safety grades—ranging from ‘A’ to ‘F’—are critical indicators of how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. Alarmingly, these issues affect one in four inpatients and contribute to up to 250,000 deaths annually across the United States.
Other local hospitals performed well, with Phoebe Sumter in Americus earning an ‘A’ and both Tift Regional Hospital in Tifton and Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele receiving ‘B’ grades. The ratings serve as a transparent reflection of hospital efficiency, helping patients make informed healthcare decisions.
A spokesperson for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital emphasized their ongoing commitment to safety:
“We are intently focused on the safety of our patients and on ensuring we have the right people and protocols in place to prevent errors and provide the best possible care for our patients,”
they stated. The spokesperson also highlighted the recent establishment of the Phoebe Putney Health System Quality Program, aimed at enhancing patient safety and quality improvement.
Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group, noted the historical significance of this evaluation cycle:
“As we mark this milestone year, for the first time we’re looking at how consolidation impacts patient safety. We want to understand if system leadership accelerates patient safety or not.”
This evaluation is crucial, as 90% of hospitals that received a Fall 2025 Safety Grade are part of a health system.
In the rankings, Utah, Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and North Carolina emerged as the top five states with the highest percentage of ‘A’ hospitals, with Utah leading for the fifth consecutive grading round.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, an independent rating system, provides the public with a reliable assessment of hospital safety, allowing patients to identify which facilities prioritize their well-being. The grades are updated twice a year, with the next evaluation slated for Spring 2026.
As healthcare systems aim to enhance their safety protocols, Colquitt Regional Hospital’s consistent performance stands out. Jim Matney, president and CEO, remarked on the achievement:
“We are honored to receive our 21st ‘A’ safety grade from The Leapfrog Group. This truly reflects the dedication of our entire team — from physicians and nurses to environmental services and every department in between,”
emphasizing their commitment to delivering high-quality care in a safe environment.
As hospitals focus on improving their safety ratings, patients can expect ongoing enhancements in care practices and protocols. The Leapfrog Group encourages all healthcare providers to prioritize transparency and patient safety as they work towards better healthcare outcomes.
For further details and to view the full state rankings, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade remains a vital tool for patients seeking safe and reliable healthcare options.
