For the first time, the Hi-Desert Medical Center has earned an “A” rating from an independent nonprofit that tracks hospital safety nationwide. Reporter Ernest Figueroa says the Joshua Tree hospital has made dramatic improvements over the last year…
A year ago, the Hi-Desert Medical Center earned a “D” on its semi-annual report card from the Leapfrog Group, an independent organization that rates hospitals in several categories such as infections, surgeries, errors, safety problems, and staff. This spring, the hospital received a grade of “C,” so hospital employees were thrilled to earn an “A” rating this fall. CEO Karen Faulis was proud of how the hospital’s employees worked to improve the facility’s grade, saying, “This rating recognizes our continuous commitment to placing safety at the forefront of our patients’ care.” According to Leapfrog, the hospital excelled in most of the areas that were graded, but Hi-Desert Medical Center still needs improvements in ordering medications through a computer, tracking and reducing risks to patients, and having better communication between doctors and patients.
