Leapfrog Names GSL a 2021 Top Hospital

The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers focused on health care safety and quality, today announced the 2021 recipients of its annual Top Hospital Award, the nation’s most competitive recognition for excellence in hospital safety and quality.

Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital (GSL) received this recognition after only its second year of operation. During GSL’s first 24 months, the hospital launched major programs; earned state and national certifications; and planned for, obtained and provided health and wellness resources in the face of life-threatening conditions never before imagined or experienced.

GSL received Primary Stroke Center accreditation from the Joint Commission, earned level IV trauma designation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) and completed a three-story medical office building that houses physician specialists, outpatient offices and programs long needed in the community. 

Data from the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey is used to identify the top hospitals and selection was based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including medication safety, surgery outcomes, and infection rates, among many other patient priorities.

“This recognition is an important validation of Geisinger St. Luke’s continued focus on and commitment to patient safety, which in light of COVD-19 is more important now than ever,” says Gabe Kamarousky, president of Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. “Geisinger St. Luke’s superior safety rating demonstrates that our facilities are safe and ready to treat patients even during this time of COVID-19.”

“American hospitals continue to face unprecedented challenges this year due to the pandemic, and Leapfrog is honored to recognize those that continue to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety with the Top Hospital Award,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The 2021 Top Hospitals have truly set themselves apart with their dedication to their patients. We congratulate the physicians, nurses, and all clinicians as well as the staff, volunteers, and leadership who made patient safety their priority.”

"As the nation copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and health care workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication," says Erin Martinez, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services for Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. "We hope this recognition helps to thank the people who work and volunteer for Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need."

A number of St. Luke’s University Health Network campuses were among the select group of hospitals across the nation awarded an “A” for their commitment to keeping patients safe and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S.