Bridgton, Rumford hospitals named among Top Rural Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group

LEWISTON — Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, both Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital were named on Tuesday as Top Rural Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group.

Both hospitals are within the Central Maine Healthcare system.

The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers recognized as the toughest standard-setters for healthcare safety and quality. Central Maine Medical Center recently received its seventh consecutive “A” — the highest grade possible — for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group.

To earn the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must rank top among their peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for the awards. Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital were among a total of only 23 selected as Top Rural Hospitals.

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication and other errors.