The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog focused on health care safety and quality, announced the 2021 recipients of its annual Top Hospital Award, the nation’s most competitive recognition for excellence in hospital safety and quality.

Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital received this recognition after only its second year of operation. During GSL’s first 24 months, the hospital launched major programs earning state and national certifications and planned for, obtained and provided health and wellness resources in the face of unanticipated challenges presented by COVID-19.

The emergency room received Primary Stroke Center accreditation, the trauma program received regulatory approval, and a three-story medical office building was completed to house physician specialists, outpatient offices and programs long needed in the community.

“This recognition is an important validation of Geisinger St. Luke’s continued focus on and commitment to patient safety, which in light of COVID-19 is more important now than ever,” says Gabe Kamarousky, president of Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. “Geisinger St. Luke’s superior safety rating demonstrates that our facilities are safe and ready to treat patients even during this time of COVID-19.”

Data from the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey is used to identify the top hospitals and selection was based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including medication safety, surgery outcomes, and infection rates, among many other patient priorities.

“As the nation copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and health care workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication,” says Erin Martinez, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services for Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. “This recognition is a credit to the people who work and volunteer for Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need.”

A number of St. Luke’s University Health Network campuses - Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton and Warren - were also among the select group of Top Hospitals for their commitment to keeping patients safe and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S.

The following were recognized: St. Luke’s University Hospital - Bethlehem Campus, St. Luke’s Hospital - Allentown Campus, St. Luke’s Easton Hospital and St. Luke’s Warren Campus, for top teaching and Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, top general.

Leapfrog’s Top Hospital recognition is one of the health care industry’s most prestigious honors. Unlike many other health care awards, it is based entirely on an independent, scientific review of objective data.

“These awards are a credit to St. Luke’s outstanding leadership, providers, nurses and other hospital staff and volunteers who throughout the pandemic have maintained an unwavering focus on quality and patient satisfaction,” said St. Luke’s Chief Quality Officer Donna Sabol.

“American hospitals continue to face unprecedented challenges this year due to the pandemic, and Leapfrog is honored to recognize those that continue to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety with the Top Hospital Award,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The 2021 Top Hospitals have truly set themselves apart with their dedication to their patients. We congratulate the physicians, nurses and all clinicians as well as the staff, volunteers, and leadership who made patient safety their priority.”

Last month, Leapfrog released its fall Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, awarding top marks to every St. Luke’s University Health Network hospital eligible for evaluation - 10 campuses in total. St. Luke’s was the only major health system in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to earn straight A’s, according to Leapfrog.

“We are pleased to recognize St. Luke’s,” said Binder. “Even with the continued strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Luke’s has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to excellent health care in the Lehigh Valley community. We congratulate the board, leadership, staff and clinicians who put their patients first.”

To see the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.