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Lakeland Earns Patient Safety Award
Mar 13, 2019

(ST. JOSEPH) – In observing National Patient Safety Awareness Week, The Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM), a nonprofit group comprised of Michigan’s largest employers and unions, awarded Lakeland Medical Center and Lakeland Hospital Niles with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, recognizing the hospitals for consistently performing high marks and improvements in patient safety and quality of care. The federal government recognizes the two hospitals as a single entity; thus, the recognition applies to both hospitals. Lakeland was one of only eight hospitals in the state to receive this recognition.

Hospitals receiving the Excellence Award must report to The Leapfrog Group survey for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) and maintain all “A’s” with Hospital Safety Grade in four consecutive grading terms (Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018). This marks the fourth year for the EAM awards.

“Keeping our patients safe and promoting a culture of zero harm is one of the highest priorities of any

health system and this recognition is a direct reflection of our team members’ commitment to this effort,” said Loren B. Hamel, MD, President, Spectrum Health Lakeland.

“The EAM is honored to recognize these hospitals striving to make Michigan a safer place to live and work,” said Bret Jackson, president, EAM. “When hospitals make mistakes, it adds cost to the patient’s bill and length to a hospital stay. Improving patient safety will contribute to lower health care costs, which in turn, will help employers create more jobs and higher wages.”

About the Economic Alliance for Michigan

Founded in 1982, the EAM is comprised of businesses and unions working together with one clear objective – continued growth of Michigan’s economy by inspiring job growth and strengthen Michigan’s competitiveness for attracting companies and talent.  A main objective of the EAM is bringing attention to lawmakers and the public about the rising health care costs and its effect on the economy.  The EAM is the Michigan Regional Leader for The Leapfrog Group.  Learn more about the EAM at www.eamonline.org.