2 North Carolina Hospitals Receive ‘D’ Grades for Patient Safety

Two hospitals in North Carolina have recently earned concerning “D” grades for patient safety, according to the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

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Two North Carolina Hospitals Receive 'D' Grades for Patient Safety

Recent evaluations by the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to healthcare transparency, revealed concerning “D” grades for two North Carolina hospitals. These grades, based on critical safety measures, help patients make informed healthcare decisions.

Central Carolina Hospital - Sandford NC

Graded twice a year, Central Carolina Hospital maintained a strong track record of safety with consistent “B” grades from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022. However, its performance began to decline after that, slipping to a series of “C” grades. The latest “D” marks the hospital’s lowest score to date, raising concerns about its ability to uphold patient safety standards.

CENTRAL CAROLINA HOSPITAL - Google Maps - 1135 Carthage St, Sanford NC

Central Carolina Hospital Low Performances

Central Carolina Hospital’s grade reflects below-average performance in several safety measures:

Infection in the Urinary Tract: Patients requiring urinary catheters could be at risk of developing infections that can prolong recovery or lead to severe complications.
Harmful Events: Patients may face complications such as infections or injuries after surgeries or procedures, indicating lapses in safety practices.
Dangerous Bed Sores: Prolonged immobility can lead to deep pressure ulcers, which may cause severe infections or even require amputation.
Patient Falls and Injuries: Falls, particularly when patients attempt to walk unassisted, can lead to extended hospital stays or permanent disabilities.
Falls Causing Broken Hips: Older patients are especially vulnerable to fractures from falls, which can delay recovery and impact mobility.
Collapsed Lung: Errors during procedures involving catheters or feeding tubes can result in a lung injury, causing severe pain and complications.
Communication About Medicines: Clear explanations about new medications and their potential side effects are essential to avoid misunderstandings that can harm patients.
Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients: Insufficient staffing may result in longer hospital stays and worse outcomes for patients.
Specially Trained Doctors Care for ICU Patients: The absence of intensivists in the ICU increases risks for critically ill patients.
Communication with Doctors: Effective doctor-patient communication ensures clarity, builds trust, and minimizes errors.
Communication with Nurses: Clear communication from nurses is crucial to prevent medication errors or misdiagnoses.
Responsiveness of Hospital Staff: Timely responses to patient needs, such as pain management or assistance, are critical to maintaining safety and comfort.

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Granville Medical Center - Oxford NC

Since Fall 2021, Granville Medical Center has struggled to maintain acceptable safety standards, earning consistently low grades in Leapfrog’s evaluations. Graded twice a year, the hospital received a “D” in Fall 2021, an “F” in Spring 2022, followed by a “D,” “C,” and another “D” before its current “D” rating. This pattern highlights ongoing challenges in addressing critical safety concerns.

GRANVILLE MEDICAL CENTER - Google Maps - 1010 College Street, Oxford, Nc

Granville Medical Center Low Performances

Granville Medical Center also received a “D” grade, with the following issues noted:

C. Diff Infection: This dangerous bacterium, often linked to antibiotic use, can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. Poor handwashing or contaminated equipment can spread the infection.
Harmful Events: Errors following surgeries, procedures, or childbirth indicate gaps in patient safety protocols.
Dangerous Bed Sores: Prolonged pressure on the skin can lead to deep, painful wounds that increase infection risk and recovery time.
Patient Falls and Injuries: Unassisted falls can result in severe injuries, particularly for patients with limited mobility.
Dangerous Blood Clot: Surgical procedures may cause clots that can travel to the lungs, leading to life-threatening complications.
Doctors Order Medications Through a Computer: The absence of a robust computerized system may increase the risk of medication errors.
Safe Medication Administration: Without barcode scanning systems, there’s a higher likelihood of giving patients incorrect dosages or medications.
Handwashing: Failure to maintain proper hygiene can result in the spread of infections among patients.
Specially Trained Doctors Care for ICU Patients: Like Central Carolina, Granville lacks intensivists, putting critically ill patients at greater risk.