BELTON, MO. — Belton Regional Medical Center – part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's leading and most comprehensive healthcare provider — was awarded an 'A' in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.The national distinction recognizes Belton Regional Medical Center's achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care and is awarded by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months based on a hospital's performance in preventing medical errors, and other harms to patients in their care.

"Earning a third consecutive 'A' confirms the dedication of our exemplary team of healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care every day to each patient," says Belton Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Todd Krass. "We have a genuine commitment, at every level — from our physicians and clinicians to administrators and staff — to maintain the highest standards for patient safety, and that focus is heightened during the pandemic."

Belton Regional Medical Center has implemented important protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of its patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • Screening processes in place for all patients, visitors and clinicians before entering the hospital.
  • Separate care locations for COVID-19 positive patients and those under investigation, who are masked and escorted to designated locations. Non-COVID-19 patients, including those receiving outpatient care or undergoing scheduled procedures, are treated in separate areas and assigned caregivers who are not concurrently caring for COVID-19 positive patients.
  • Universal masking required throughout the hospital, which exceeds CDC guidelines.
  • Heightened infection prevention policies, including the removal of high-touch items such as magazines, toys and vending machines from the hospital and clinical units.
  • Food and drinks prohibited in clinical units to prevent the spread of illness.
  • Updated visitor policies, including limitations, which have been in place for the duration of the pandemic, remain in place.

"We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and health care workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19," says Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "This 'A' is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for Belton Regional Medical Center. With the current pandemic exposing existing flaws within the U.S. health care system, we appreciate you putting patient safety first. Lives depend on it."

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

Belton Regional Medical Center was awarded an 'A' grade today when Leapfrog updated grades for fall 2020. To see Belton Regional Medical Center's full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit Hospital Safety Grade and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.