Hospital Errors in Maryland Have Dropped, but Improvement Is Still Needed

Millions of Americans visit hospitals each year. Generally, we put a large amount of trust into the hands of medical professionals to help us recover from injuries and illnesses. However, far too often the negligence of medical personnel can increase the risk of adding to our health dilemma with further injury or illness.

Fortunately, there is a little bit of good news. It concerns a recent downward trend in hospital errors.

The Leapfrog Group conducted a recent study that revealed hospital errors have decreased from the period of 2016 to 2017. The group used an extensive array of sources, including the American Hospital Association, Medicare, and hospital surveys filled out by hospitals on a voluntary basis. According to the study, the state of Maryland – previously ranked in the bottom five of the nation’s safest hospitals – has seen a decrease in errors, thanks to safety measures employed in hospitals across the state. These measures have helped reduce medical errors and prevent infections and injuries.

What the assessment said

Maryland hospitals received letter grades from the Leapfrog assessment. These grades reflect the performance of hospitals relative to a number of different patient safety measures. In the most recent assessment, 40 out of the state’s 48 hospitals received grades; 21 of them received a “C” or a “D” from the Leapfrog Group. Here is a breakdown of the grade for each hospital:

Hospital Grade: A

• Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Greater Baltimore Medical Center
• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
• MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
• Peninsula Regional Medical Center
• The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
• University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

Hospital Grade: B

• Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center
• Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital
• Carroll Hospital Center
• Fort Washington Medical Center
• Frederick Memorial Hospital
• Garrett Regional Medical Center
• Howard County General Hospital
• Mercy Medical Center
• Suburban Hospital
• University of Maryland Medical Center
• Western Maryland Regional Medical Center

Hospital Grade: C

• CalvertHealth Medical Center
• Doctors Community Hospital
• MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
• MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
• MedStar Harbor Hospital
• Medstar Montgomery Medical Center
• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
• Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
• UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center
• Union Hospital
• University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital
• University of Maryland Laurel Regional Hospital
• University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus
• University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

Hospital Grade: D

• Bon Secours Hospital
• Holy Cross Germantown Hospital
• Holy Cross Hospital
• MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
• Meritus Medical Center
• Agnes Hospital
• University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital Center

(Compare hospital ratings here.)

There has been some pushback from hospital officials claiming that Leapfrog’s report only evaluates a limited number of criteria. They are also concerned that the data produced by the study does not take into account recent improvements made by hospitals throughout the state.

Recovering damages in a medical malpractice claim

Hospitals are supposed to be safe environments in which medical professionals implement the expected high level standard of care necessary to properly treat patients. However, this ideal does not always occur. Patients who suffer at the hands of negligent hospitals and their personnel may be eligible to recover damages by filing a medical malpractice claim.

Various parties have the potential to commit hospital errors. These include nurses, doctors, laboratory technicians, midwives, and any other hospital worker providing medical care.

Despite the modicum of good news mentioned above, medical malpractice and the occurrence of hospital errors continues to be a significant problem that must be addressed in Maryland and across the nation. The lives of thousands of patients are at stake.

As a patient visiting a hospital or emergency room, you are owed a high standard of care. At the premier law firm of Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we can provide vigorous advocacy on your behalf when a negligent doctor or other hospital personnel cause you serious harm through a hospital error. We are here to help you recover the financial compensation you are owed in the wake of your injuries. To set up a free case evaluation, please call us today at 410-730-7737 or complete our contact form.