SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – November 3, 2015 – In the latest Leapfrog study, Harrington HealthCare System was recognized for receiving the lowest primary C-section rate in Massachusetts–14.3%. The Leapfrog Group, the leading independent national advocate for hospital quality, safety, and affordability, recognized Harrington Healthcare System for this achievement after having also recognized Harrington as one of the nation’s “Top Hospitals” the last two years.
Harrington was the only hospital in the area to be in the top three in the ratings, besting major medical centers in Worcester and Boston. The state’s average C-section rate is 26.2%.
The Leapfrog study showed that the lowest and highest rates occur at both community and teaching hospitals. The data only included C-sections for first-time, low-risk deliveries.
“We carefully manage each patient to ensure that babies are delivered in the safest and least complicated manner,” said Dr. Mark Simonelli, Chief of Harrington OB/Gyn. “Leapfrog’s report is a great validation of what for us is business as usual.”
According to a statement by Leapfrog, it’s important for patients to perform due diligence in selecting healthcare providers, with delivery discussions at the top of the list.
“We may be a relatively small community hospital, but it’s very gratifying to be recognized as the best in the region and the state for different aspects of care,” said Ed Moore, Harrington President and CEO. “Quality and safety always come first.”
To read the full report, visit http://leapfroggroup.org/c-section.
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