Parkland, Cook Children's Among The Leapfrog Group's Top Hospitals

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Parkland Memorial Hospital and Cook Children's Medical Center were named two of the top hospitals by The Leapfrog Group.

This is the first time Parkland has received the distinction.

"Earning this recognition by the Leapfrog Group is a tribute to our entire staff and their absolute commitment to quality, safety and excellence in patient care," said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer, Parkland Health & Hospital System. "I am extremely proud of this accomplishment because it recognizes Parkland's determination to provide the highest possible level of care to our patients."

Parkland was one of only 98 hospitals in the United States recognized in The Leapfrog Group's annual survey.

According to The Leapfrog Group, "The selection is based on the results of The Leapfrog Group's annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals' performance on patient safety and quality, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use and management structures established to prevent errors. Performance across many areas of hospital care is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including survival rates for high-risk procedures and a hospital's ability to prevent medication errors."

"Leapfrog's Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions any hospital can achieve in the United States," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "Top Hospitals have lower infection rates, better outcomes, decreased length of stay and fewer readmissions. By achieving Top Hospital status, Parkland has proven it prioritizes the safety of its patients, is committed to transparency and provides exemplary care for families and patients in Dallas County. I congratulate the board, staff and clinicians of Parkland whose efforts achieved these results."

Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Metroplex Hospital in Killeen also made the Top Hospital list.

This is the fifth time Cook Children's has been named to the list of top children's hospitals.

Children's Medical Center Plano and Texas Children's Hospital West Campus were also recognized.

Baylor Scott and White Healthcare-Llano and Rollins Brook Community Hospital were among the rural hospitals to be honored.

To see the full list of institutions honored as a 2015 Top Hospital, go here.

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