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Backus Hospital Earns 2020 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award

December 31, 2020

Backus Hospital has been named a Top Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group, highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards among American hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standard-setters for healthcare safety and quality.

“This recognition by Leapfrog as a Top Hospital is a true testament to the dedication and skill of our staff and their unwavering commitment to quality and safety.” said Donna Handley, Backus Hospital President.  “Our community relies on us, especially during the most difficult times, and they can take comfort in knowing that we continue to provide the expert and compassionate care they’ve come to expect and deserve.” said Backus Hospital President, Donna Handley.

Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the award. Among those, Backus received a Top Hospital distinction. A total of 105 hospitals were selected as Top Hospitals, including:

  • 9 Top children’s hospitals.
  • 29 Top general hospitals.
  • 19 Top rural hospitals.
  • 48 Top teaching hospitals.

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.

“Being recognized as a Top Hospital is an extraordinary feat and we are honored to recognize Backus Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Despite the extraordinary pressure and strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, Backus has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to patients and to the Norwich community. We congratulate the board, staff and clinicians whose efforts made this honor possible.”

To qualify for the Top Hospitals 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 its category. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2020 Top Hospitals, click here.