UM BWMC Earns Another 'A' for Patient Safety in Fall 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 10, 2021) – The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) has once again been awarded an 'A' grade in Patient Safety from The Leapfrog Group. This latest designation marks the fifth such accomplishment for the hospital.

"This fifth consecutive A rating is a testament to the commitment of our providers and team members, who consistently strive to deliver safe, high quality care to every patient," said Kathy McCollum, President and CEO of UM BWMC. "Despite a challenging year, it is gratifying to see hard work and dedication recognized at a national level."

This national distinction recognizes UM BWMC's achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'F' grade to general hospitals across the country based on performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

"An 'A' Safety Grade is a tremendous achievement, of which this community should be extremely proud," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "I thank the leadership and workforce of UM BWMC for its commitment to prioritizing patients and their safety, especially during these trying times."

To see UM BWMC's full grade details, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org

UM BWMC was one of four University of Maryland Medical System hospitals recognized. The University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and UM Shore Regional Health hospitals in Chestertown and Easton also received Leapfrog's top grade for patient safety.

About the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) is an acute-care facility that is part of the University of Maryland Medical System. It is located in Glen Burnie, Maryland and has 285 beds and more than 3,500 employees. It also has 1,000 medical providers in over 50 specialties. For more information, visit www.umbwmc.org.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state's future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system's more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

###