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

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Two South Carolina Hospitals Receive ‘D’ Grades for Patient Safety

The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization, evaluates hospitals across the country based on critical safety measures. These grades aim to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Piedmont Medical Center

Piedmont Medical Center - Google Maps
Piedmont Medical Center - Google Maps
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  • Address: 222 S. Herlong Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29732-1952

Piedmont Medical Center, once a high-performing facility with “A” grades in previous years, has seen its safety ratings steadily decline. The hospital fell from a “B” to a “C” and now a troubling “D.” Key issues contributing to the drop include an increase in infections, such as MRSA and post-surgical sepsis, both of which pose severe risks to patient health.

Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital

Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital - Google Maps
Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital - Google Maps
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  • Address: 606 Black River Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440-3304

Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital has struggled with consistently low grades since Spring 2021, alternating between “C” and “D.” Its ongoing challenges with infections, safety practices, and surgical complications have kept it from achieving higher ratings.

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Key Safety Concerns

Both hospitals scored poorly in critical areas, including:

  • Infections: Issues such as MRSA, which is resistant to many antibiotics, highlight lapses in hygiene and protocol. MRSA can cause life-threatening bloodstream infections or pneumonia if providers fail to wash hands or sterilize equipment properly.
  • Problems with Surgery: Errors during procedures—such as leaving surgical sponges inside patients—are rare but extremely dangerous. These mistakes can lead to severe complications, disability, or death.
  • Safety Practices: Hospitals must ensure staff are equipped with proper training, effective communication tools, and systems to reduce errors. The use of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems is one such tool that can alert doctors to potentially harmful medication errors, but poor implementation can undermine its effectiveness.
  • Leadership Accountability: Effective hospital leadership is critical for maintaining safety standards. A lack of focus on patient safety from leaders often leads to widespread lapses, including insufficient budgeting for necessary improvements.
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A Call for Action

The “D” grades for these South Carolina hospitals serve as a wake-up call. Improving patient safety requires a comprehensive effort—from addressing infection control protocols to implementing advanced systems that reduce human error. Strong leadership and accountability at all levels are essential to ensuring these facilities can provide the quality care patients deserve.

For those seeking safer healthcare options, it is crucial to research hospital grades and understand the specific risks associated with each facility.

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