The Hospital Safety Score encourages hospitals to comply with nationally recognized standards of safe care practices in an effort to reduce harm and promote safety for patients. The Hospital Safety Score is one important tool you can use in selecting a hospital. To find the safest hospital near you, please use our hospital search tool and search by location or hospital name in this app. You should also have a conversation with your doctor to determine the best hospital for you and your family.
It is important to remember that in an emergency or life-threatening situation, you should seek care immediately at the nearest available hospital, as receiving care right away could help save your life. If you live in a metropolitan area with many hospitals nearby, it is wise to take a look at their Hospital Safety Scores now so that you will be prepared if the need for a hospital arises suddenly.
In addition to reviewing the letter grade for your hospital, you should ask questions about the safety procedures in place such as:
If you’re unhappy with your hospital’s score, don’t be afraid to ask hospital leadership what may have contributed to their rating and what they are doing to improve. You can also utilize the location tool to find hospitals nearby that might be ranked higher. If you find that there isn’t a safe hospital in your community, ask your local policymakers to make patient safety a priority and work with hospitals in your region to improve.
You have the right to be protected from harm while in the hospital. Choose a hospital that will keep you safe.