Englewood Hospital just picked up its 23rd “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. That’s a major milestone, with 23 times rated “A” in 29 cycles. It doesn’t happen by accident. It shows how everyone at the hospital, from the doctors to the support staff, puts patient safety first.
The Leapfrog Group is an independent, national nonprofit watchdog. Their team looks at hard facts: medical errors, injuries, infections, and exactly how hospitals work to keep patients safe. Only the best get their top grade.
Kelly Lindsay, the hospital’s CEO, said, “This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication and vigilance of our colleagues across every department. Patient safety is not just a priority; it is a responsibility we carry in every interaction, every process, and every decision. Earning our 23rd ‘A’ grade underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient we serve.”
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, put it plainly, “An ‘A’ grade means Englewood Hospital isn’t cutting corners. Every part of the team—from doctors to volunteers—plays a role in making sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.”
Leapfrog’s ratings zero in on one thing: preventable medical mistakes that can harm patients or worse. Their grading is peer-reviewed and open to the public, so there’s nowhere to hide. They update the scores twice a year, every fall and spring.
And as the hospital celebrated this news, they opened a new $1 million helipad; perfect timing, since it happened during National EMS Week. This helipad boosts the hospital’s emergency response game for all of Southwest Florida. Critically ill or injured patients can get airlifted in or out faster than ever, which can make all the difference in an emergency.
This new helipad isn’t just about speed. It is purpose-built for all-weather use, giving crews the tools they need to land safely every time. Advanced lighting, infrared markings for night operations, and a skid-resistant surface show how much thought went into the design. The pad sits three feet higher than the old one and connects straight to the emergency entrance, so no time gets wasted between landing and treatment.
This upgrade follows a string of serious investments: $32 million for the Wellen Park Emergency location last year, and $10 million to expand the Emergency Department in 2022. As more people move to the area, the hospital’s not just keeping up; it’s aiming to stay ahead.
Englewood Hospital doesn’t just talk about commitment and safety; it follows through with action, investment, and results, one patient at a time.
