Awards & Recognition
2024
November 2024
Lee Health Hospitals Named “Straight A” Hospitals in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade Reporting Cycle
The Leapfrog Group announced its Fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grades and all four Lee Health hospitals have earned top marks, with Cape Coral Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital being designated as “Straight A” hospitals for earning an “A” in at least five consecutive Hospital Safety Grade reporting cycles.
Newsweek and Statista Name Lee Health’s HealthPark Care Center Skilled Nursing Facility as One of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025
Lee Health is pleased to announce that the HealthPark Care Center Skilled Nursing Facility has earned a national recognition and will be featured on the list of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 from Newsweek and Statista. Lee Health’s HealthPark Care Center ranked 16th of the approximately 700 nursing homes in Florida.
Lee Health is the First Health System in the U.S. to Earn the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Certified Center of Excellence™ Designation in Medication Use Safety and Pharmacy Practice
Lee Health is thrilled to announce that it has became the first multi-site health system in the United States to earn the prestigious American Society of Health System Pharmacists Certified Center of Excellence™ designation in Medication Use Safety and Pharmacy Practice.
October 2024
Lee Health Named on Forbes List of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2024 for the Second Consecutive Year
Lee Health is proud to be named on the Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers for the second year in a row. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, and it is a testament to Lee Health’s commitment to fostering a positive and robust workplace for its employees.
August 2024
Lee Health Receives Pinnacle of HER Experience Award
Lee Health has been honored with the inaugural Pinnacle of EHR Experience Award from the KLAS Arch Collaborative, recognizing our health system's efforts to enhance the electronic health record (EHR) experience for physicians. The award places Lee Health among an elite group of only 10 organizations nationwide, including Kaiser Permanente and Johns Hopkins, to receive this honor.
July 2024
U.S. News Recognizes Lee Health Hospitals as Best Hospitals 2024-2025
All Lee Health hospitals received honors as Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for the high-quality care they provide to the Southwest Florida community.
For its 2024-2025 list, all Lee Health hospitals have been recognized as Best Hospitals with Golisano Children’s Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital ranking 13th in Florida and Gulf Coast Medical Center tying with a hospital in Gainesville for the 27th position.
In this year’s rankings, Cape Coral Hospital earned a High-Performing rating in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) procedures and conditions.
Gulf Coast Medical Center earned a High-Performing rating in congestive heart failure, COPD, heart attacks, hip replacements, knee replacements, pneumonia, and leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center together earned a High-Performing rating for the following adult procedures and conditions: aortic valve surgery, COPD, heart attacks, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, knee replacement, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, strokes, and leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Lee Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department Earns the Prestigious Lantern Award for the First Time
The emergency department at Lee Memorial Hospital has been recognized for continually providing high-quality care in a safe environment. This is the first time the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has awarded the hospital with the Lantern Award, which recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research.
June 2024
Lee Health Named Fourth Top Hospital System in the U.S. As One of the Most Socially Responsible by the Lown Institute
Lee Health is proud to be ranked fourth out of 311 health systems in the United States as one of the most socially responsible by the Lown Institute. All Lee Health acute care hospitals also received “A” grades in various metrics. This is the health system’s second year in a row ranking in the top five in the country for its commitment to social responsibility and health equity. Lee Memorial Hospital, which includes HealthPark Medical Center under the same license, ranked number one in Florida for social responsibility and was also in the top-5 in Florida for value of care and avoiding overuse.
The Lown Institute awarded Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center “A” Grades in social responsibility, patient outcomes, clinical outcomes, patient safety, inclusivity, and cost efficiency.
May 2024
Lee Health Is the First Healthcare System in Florida to Be Recognized with the Governor’s Sterling Award
Lee Health is honored to be the first healthcare system in Florida to be recognized with the Governor’s Sterling Award, granted by the Sterling Council. The Sterling Council is a public/private partnership supported by the Officer of the Governor that manages the Sterling/Baldrige National Criteria for national standards and best practices for performance excellence in the state of Florida.
February 2024
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center Named Among the Top 50 Hospitals for Heart Care
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center has again been named a top performing hospital in the 2024 PINC AI™ 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ study, joining some of the most elite hospitals in the country that provide top-tier heart care. This marks the 11th year that HealthPark Medical Center has won the award.
2023
December 2023
For the Second Year in a Row All 3 Lee Health Skilled Nursing Facilities Named Best Nursing Homes in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report named the Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit, HealthPark Care Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit as some of the Best Nursing Homes in the country for the second year in a row.
Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit and Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit earned a High Performing rating for short-term rehabilitation, which evaluates a nursing home's quality of care for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as after a stroke, heart attack, infection or accidental injury.
HealthPark Care Center earned a High Performing rating for both short and long-term care, which evaluates a home's ability to care for residents who need daily assistance with medical needs, such as administering medications, and non-medical needs, such as dressing, eating and using the bathroom. Lee Memorial Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center’s Skilled Nursing Units were not applicable for the long-term accolade.
Three Lee Health Hospitals Named Top Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital have all received top distinctions from the nation's premier advocate of transparency in healthcare, The Leapfrog Group. Golisano Children’s Hospital was named a Top Children’s Hospital. In addition to “A” grades, Gulf Coast Medical Center also received the designation as a Top General Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital was named a Top Teaching Hospital.
November 2023
Straight “A” Streak Continues for all Lee Health Acute Care Hospitals
The Leapfrog Group released its Fall 2023 Hospital Safety Grades, awarding HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital an “A” grade, which is the highest honor that can be received. This marks the 12th straight reporting period that all Lee Health Hospitals have received a grade of a “B” or higher.
HealthPark Medical Center earned an “A” grade for the 10th straight reporting period, and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned an “A” for the fourth straight reporting period and sixth since 2013. Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital maintained their “A” grade for the third reporting period in a row.
October 2023
Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital Named a Top 100 Hospital by Fortune/PINC AI™
Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by Fortune/PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. This is the second consecutive year that Cape Coral Hospital has received this distinction and the second year as an Everest Winner for achieving a top rate of improvement from 2017 to 2021.
August 2023
Lee Health Awarded on the Forbes America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023 List
Lee Health has been awarded on the Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on August 22, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Forbes website.
Lee Health’s Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit Earns National Silver Quality Award
The Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) has earned the 2023 Silver Achievement in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long-term care.
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center Earns 2023 Gold Seal Award from the Florida Governor’s Office
Lee Health’s HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center has earned the prestigious 2023 Gold Seal Award from the Florida Governor’s Office. It is one of fewer than 15 in the state of Florida, which has nearly 700 skilled nursing facilities, to receive the distinction. The program awards and recognizes nursing home facilities that promote the stability of the industry, facilitates the physical, social, and emotional well-being of nursing home facility residents, and demonstrates excellence in long-term care over a sustained period.
July 2023
Lee Health Ranked Among Top 15% of Hospitals in the U.S.
HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Earn Five Stars in CMS Quality Star Ratings and Gulf Coast Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital Earn Four Stars
High-quality, compassionate care and patient safety are Lee Health’s top priorities, and the health system is pleased to announce that all four of its acute care hospitals have been awarded four or five stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with this year being the first for HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital to receive the five-star accolade. This puts Lee Health hospitals in the top 15% of hospitals in the country.
Lee Health Named as Top Hospital System Nationwide for Social Responsibility and Health Equity by the Lown Institute
Lee Health has been recognized for its commitment to social responsibility and health equity, named the number one health system in the U.S for social responsibility and health equity from the Lown Institute. Lee Health received an “A” Grade on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility and all Lee Health hospital locations ranked in the top-5 in Florida.
Lee Health as a system also placed in the top-10 in the U.S. for pay equity and patient safety. The Lown Institute also awarded Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center “A” Grades in patient outcomes, clinical outcomes, patient safety and cost efficiency.
June 2023
Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital Named a Level II Maternal Care Verified Facility from The Joint Commission
Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital has been named a Level II maternal care verified facility by The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) verification program, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It is one of the first hospitals in Florida to receive this distinction.
May 2023
Lee Health Home Health Awarded Heart Failure Disease Program Certification under the Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP) Disease Program Standards
Lee Health Home Health has received a Heart Failure Disease Program distinction under the Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP) Disease Program Standards.The certification demonstrates that Lee Health Home Health meets the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards for managing heart failure. The rigorous program evaluation focuses on program structure and function, quality metrics, advanced education for staff and demonstrated self-management tools for patients.
All Four Lee Health Hospitals Earned ‘Straight As’ for the Second Straight Reporting Period
The Leapfrog Group released its Spring 2023 Hospital Safety Grades and all four Lee Health hospitals have earned top marks, continuing their ‘straight A’ streak from last Fall’s grading report. HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital all received the highest honor of an ‘A’ grade. This marks the 10th straight reporting period that all Lee Health Hospitals have received a grade of ‘B’ or higher.
HealthPark Medical Center earned an ‘A’ grade for the ninth straight reporting period, and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned an ‘A’ for the third straight reporting period. Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital retained their ‘A’ grades after bringing them up from a ‘B’ rating.
March 2023
Lee Health Hospital Named Among Nation’s Top 50 Hospitals for Heart Care
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center has again been named one of the country’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, joining some of the most elite hospitals in the country that provide top-tier heart care.
HealthPark Medical Center has been named a 2023 PINC AI 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital winner by Premier. This marks the tenth year the hospital has won the award.
Formerly known as the IBM Watson award, the PINC AI 50 top-performing cardiovascular hospitals represent the highest standard of heart care in the United States. Premier Inc. acquired the distinction from Merative (formally IBM Watson) and the program will be integrated within PINC AI™, Premier’s technology and services brand.
HealthPark Medical Center is one of only four hospitals in Florida, and the only hospital in Southwest Florida, to earn the designation.
January 2023
U.S. News Rates Lee Health Hospitals as Best Nursing Homes and a Best Maternity Hospital
Lee Health has earned national recognitions from U.S. News & World Report.
For its 2022-2023 list, the teams at Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit, HealthPark Care Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit have been recognized as Best Nursing Homes, and the team at Cape Coral Hospital has earned the distinction as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit, HealthPark Care Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit were selected from over 15,000 nursing homes across the country that were rated in two different areas: Short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit and Lee Memorial Skilled Nursing Unit teams both won the short-term designation and the HealthPark Care Center team was awarded the short and long-term accolade.
All Lee Health Acute Care Hospitals Named Among the Best 100 Hospitals in the Nation
Out of about 4,500 hospitals in the United States, all four Lee Health acute care hospitals have been named as recipients of Healthgrades® 'America's 100 Best Hospitals' award for 2023.
It’s the first time that all four Lee Health hospitals were included among the 100 Best Hospitals in the country. This places Lee Health hospitals in the top 2% percent of hospitals nationwide by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.
Lee Health’s hospitals earned these distinctions for consistently exhibiting comprehensive, quality care across all clinical areas.
2022
December 2022
Two Lee Health Hospitals Named Top Hospitals by the Leapfrog Group
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and HealthPark Medical Center have both received top distinctions from The Leapfrog Group. Golisano Children’s Hospital was named a Top Children’s Hospital and HealthPark was named a Top Teaching Hospital.
As the region’s only children’s hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital serves more than 50,000 patients each year. It has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group four other times in the past as a Top Children’s Hospital.
HealthPark Medical Center is adjacent to Golisano Children’s Hospital on the same campus. It has also previously earned the distinction of Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, and has earned an “A” grade from Leapfrog for the past seven straight reporting periods.
Nov. 2022
Cape Coral Hospital Named One of the Best Maternity Care Hospitals in the U.S.
Cape Coral Hospital made Leapfrog and Money’s list as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in the country. The Money Group, a digital platform that was originally founded as a print magazine, partnered with Leapfrog to create this list and, using Leapfrog's data, facilities were selected that consistently delivered the safest, highest-quality maternity care. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization focused on quality and safety in health care in the United States.
The list showed that Cape Coral Hospital has a cesarean section rate of 13.8%, which is well-below the national benchmark for a cesarean section at 23.6%. The hospital’s rate was at 31.9% in 2019. Bringing it down by almost 20 points was the result of collaboration and teamwork across a variety of departments. This is significant because there are less complications with vaginal births and having a cesarean section can lead to complications with the next pregnancy.
Straight “A” Streak for all Lee Health Acute Care Hospitals
The Leapfrog Group released its Fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, awarding HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital the highest honor of an “A” grade. This marks the ninth straight reporting period that all Lee Health Hospitals have received a grade of “B” or higher.
HealthPark Medical Center earned an “A” grade for the seventh straight reporting period, and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned an “A” for the second straight reporting period. Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital improved from a “B” grade to an “A.”
Lee Health Earns Top Marks for High-Tech Implementation
Lee Health is among the best health care systems in the country when it comes to implementing the latest in patient care technology, according to a recent national recognition. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) announced that Lee Health has earned 2022 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified level 8.
Among the more than 38,000 organizations surveyed by CHIME, Lee Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in health care organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.
September 2022
Cape Coral Hospital Named to Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals List, Earns Prestigious Everest Award
As a leading hospital in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral Hospital has earned a spot on the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list and received the Everest Award designation.
Formerly known as IBM Watson, the list highlights top hospitals around the country for achieving high results on clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health. The study this year evaluated 2,650 hospitals across the United States.
The 100 Top Hospitals list is comprised of the Top 40 Teaching Hospitals and the Top 60 Community Hospitals – 20 Large Community Hospitals, 20 Medium Community Hospitals and 20 Small Community Hospitals. Cape Coral Hospital is a winner in the Large Community Hospital category, which is for hospitals with 250 beds or more. It’s one of three in Florida to make this part of the 100 Top Hospitals List.
Cape Coral Hospital is also Everest Award designated, which only 25 hospitals in the nation received. The 100 Top Hospitals Everest Award honors hospitals that have both the highest current performance and the fastest long-term improvement in the years of data analyzed.
July 2022
U.S. News Rates Lee Health Hospitals as High Performing
Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned recognition as a 2022-2023 Best Regional Hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, in addition to being rated as High Performing. Cape Coral Hospital was also awarded a High Performing rating.
Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Earn Four Stars in CMS Quality Star Ratings
High-quality care and patient safety are Lee Health’s top priorities, and the health system is pleased to announce three of its four acute care hospitals have been awarded four stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital all maintained their four-star status in this period, and Cape Coral Hospital earned a high three-star rating. Children’s hospitals are not included in this ranking system.
Golisano Children’s Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center’s Emergency Departments Earn Prestigious National Award
The emergency departments at both Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Gulf Coast Medical Center have been recognized nationally for their exceptional and innovative performance in emergency care. The Emergency Nurses Association awarded both emergency departments with the Lantern Award. Only 29 hospitals in the United States earned the prestigious recognition this year.
June 2022
Lee Health Skilled Nursing Unit Earns National Quality Award
Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) has earned the 2022 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award from American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The local facility was one of only 14 in Florida and 180 across the U.S., including 151 skilled nursing care centers, 26 assisted living communities, and 3 skilled nursing/assisted living providers in 40 states, to achieve the award. All three of Lee Health’s skilled nursing locations now hold the Bronze Award. HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center received the award in 2020 and Lee Memorial Hospital’s skilled nursing unit earned the recognition in 2021.
May 2022
HealthPark Medical Center Straight “A” Streak Continues, Gulf Coast Medical Center Improves to Earn Top “A” Grade
HealthPark Medical Center earned an “A” grade for the sixth straight reporting period, and Gulf Coast Medical Center advanced to an “A” from the last reporting period. Lee Memorial Hospital retained its “B” grade but increased its numeric score from the last reporting period, and Cape Coral Hospital retained its “B” grade.
Feb. 2022
Lee Health Hospitals Among the Best of the Best in the U.S.
All Lee Health adult acute care hospitals have been named among “America’s Best Hospitals™” for 2022, a distinction that places them in the top two and five percent of hospitals nationwide, according to Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. This designation rewards hospitals that consistently exhibit comprehensive, quality care across all clinical areas.
This marks the fourth straight year that all Lee Health hospitals were recognized among “America’s Best Hospitals” by Healthgrades. This is also the first time that three Lee Health hospitals were included among the 100 best hospitals in the country.
Golisano Children’s Hospital Receives Asthma–Friendly Hospital Award from The Florida Asthma Coalition
The Florida Asthma Coalition is honoring Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida for being recognized as an Asthma-Friendly Hospital. The award represents Golisano Children’s Hospital’s efforts to create a safe and healthy environment for their patients with asthma.
The Asthma-Friendly Hospital designation is a recognition designed to improve asthma management at hospitals by reducing health risks for asthma patients, prevent and minimize asthma-related ER visits and hospitalizations, and reduce readmissions for acute severe asthma exacerbations.
2021
October 2021
Lee Health Earns Top Marks for High-Tech Implementation
Lee Health is among the best healthcare systems in the country when it comes to implementing the latest in patient care technology, according to a recent national recognition.
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) announced that Lee Health has earned 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified level 8.
Lee Health Featured in U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals”
Lee Health hospitals have been recognized on a national platform for the high-quality care they provide to the Southwest Florida community.
HealthPark Medical Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center will be featured in U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” by the American College of Cardiology.
September 2021
All Lee Health Skilled Nursing Facilities Earn Highest CMS Star Ratings
Each of Lee Health’s Skilled Nursing Facilities Earn Five Stars from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their most recent Five-Star Quality Ratings, awarding Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing, HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing with five stars.
May 2021
Lee Health hospitals earn four stars in CMS Quality Star Ratings
Cape Coral Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital rise from three stars to four; Gulf Coast Medical Center maintains its four-star ranking
High-quality care and patient safety are Lee Health’s top priorities, and the health system is pleased to announce its hospitals have been awarded four stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Cape Coral Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital have all risen from three stars in the 2020 rating period to four stars in this period, and Gulf Coast Medical Center has maintained its four-star status. Children’s hospitals are not included in this ranking system.
February 2021
Lee Health Hospitals Among the Best of the Best in the U.S.
All Lee Health adult acute care hospitals have been named among “America’s Best Hospitals™” for 2021, a distinction that places them in the top two and five percent of hospitals nationwide, according to Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. This designation rewards hospitals that consistently exhibit comprehensive, quality care across all clinical areas.
This year, Cape Coral Hospital earned a coveted Top 100 spot placing them in the top two percent of hospitals nationwide. Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital earned the Top 250 best hospitals designation placing them in the top five percent. The top distinctions mean patients at Lee Health hospitals are less likely to experience medical or surgical complications and have the best chances for survival during and after hospitalization.
2020
December 2020
Lee Health Hospitals Earn Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safety
HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital have been named a “Top Teaching Hospital” and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida a “Top Children’s Hospital” nationally by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization focused on health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. Over 2,200 hospitals were considered for a Top Hospital Award, and Lee Health Hospitals are three of just 105 hospitals in the country to earn this recognition.
Lee Health Hospitals Rated in Top Five Percent in U.S.
Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are the recipients of several Specialty Excellence Awards and have been named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care™ for 2021 by Healthgrades, a leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. This designation recognizes hospitals that deliver superior quality and patient outcomes within a number of specialty service lines and focus areas.
All four hospitals earned superior performance ratings in the specialty areas of critical care, pulmonary care and stroke care, while Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital also saw high performance ratings in the areas of gastrointestinal care and general surgery. Additionally, each hospital earned Specialty Excellence Awards for cranial neurosurgery and neurosciences as well as bariatric surgery (LMH and HPMC).
November 2020
Lee Health Hospital Again Named Among Nation’s Top 50 for Heart Care
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center is among the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals again, joining some of the most elite hospitals in the country for top heart care. The honor marks the fourth consecutive year the hospital has earned a top spot on the list.
IBM Watson Health’s 50 top-performing cardiovascular hospitals represent the very best heart care in the United States. HealthPark Medical Center is one of only six hospitals in Florida to earn the designation.
September 2020
Lee Health’s Veteran Visitation Program Receives Top Recognition
Lee Health’s Veteran Visitation Program has been awarded the Partnership Award from the American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter. The program is located at Cape Coral Hospital and is the first-in-the-nation veteran visitation program at a civilian hospital. The program helps veteran’s seeking services at the hospital by providing information on programs and resources available to them and to also provide a comforting word. The program was modeled after the Red Cross’ efforts at VA and military hospitals.
May 2020
All Lee Health Skilled Nursing Facilities Garner Highest CMS Star Ratings
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their 2020 Five-Star Quality Ratings, awarding Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing, HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing with five stars. The scores reflect recent improvements undertaken by the health system to continue improving its quality of care for the Southwest Florida community.
April 2020
Top of the Class: Four Lee Health Hospitals Earn “A” Grades for Patient Safety
Patient safety is a top priority at Lee Health and, for the third straight report card, all four of its adult acute care hospitals have earned the highest national marks for safe care. Today, The Leapfrog Group announced its Spring 2020 Hospital Safety Grades, awarding Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital each “A” grades.
January 2020
Lee Health Hospitals Again Earn Top Marks for Stroke Care
Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital each earned the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association’s (ASA) Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Target Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award – the highest possible level. HealthPark Medical Center received “Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award.”
2019
December 2019
Gulf Coast Medical Center Earns 2019 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safety
Gulf Coast Medical Center has been named a “Top Teaching Hospital” nationally by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization focused on health care quality and safety. Over 2,100 hospitals were considered for a Top Hospital Award, and Gulf Coast Medical Center is one of just 120 hospitals in the country to earn this recognition. The hospital is one of three top teaching hospitals in Florida and the only Leapfrog top hospital in Southwest Florida.
November 2019
Four Lee Health Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Grades for Patient Safety
Patient safety is a top priority at Lee Health and, for the second straight report card, all four of its adult acute care hospitals have earned the highest national marks for safe care. Today, The Leapfrog Group announced its Fall 2019 Hospital Safety Grades, awarding Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital each “A” grades; the highest possible ranking.
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center, Lee Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Earn ‘Best Nursing Home’ Status from U.S. News and World Report
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center has again been listed as a 2019-2020 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report, earning two top badges for quality care. The Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) at Lee Memorial Hospital also earned top marks for short-term care. New this year, U.S. News is assigning most facilities two ratings – one for “short-stay rehab” and a new “long-term care” rating. HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center is one of only two facilities in Lee County that earned a “Best Nursing Home” designation for both long- and short-term care.
Lee Health Hospitals Honored for Outstanding Quality
The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) awarded three Lee Health hospitals with Hospital Improvement Innovation Network (HIIN) awards. The FHA award honors outstanding achievement in creating a culture of patient safety, delivering value and executing evidence-based practices as part of day-to-day operations.
Cape Coral Hospital received the HIIN “Chasing Zero” Award (250 beds and over) for outstanding work to reduce patient harm and readmissions. The Chasing Zero Award is presented for achieving significant reductions in hospital-acquired infections, resulting in some of the lowest rates in the project. This is the second year in a row FHA has honored Cape Coral Hospital.
Gulf Coast Medical Center and HealthPark Medical Center received HIIN Achievement Awards for outstanding work to reduce patient harm and readmissions. The HIIN Achievement Award goes to those hospitals that meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) improvement goals on at least 80 percent of measures tracked as part of the program.
Lee Health Hospital Again Named Among Nation’s Top 50 for Heart Care
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center is among the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals again, joining some of the most elite hospitals in the country for top heart care, including the Mayo Clinic.
IBM Watson Health’s 50 top-performing cardiovascular hospitals represent the very best heart care in the United States. HealthPark Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in Florida to earn the designation and the only one south of Daytona Beach. It’s also the only hospital in the state to make the list three years in a row.
August 2019
Three Lee Health Hospitals Earn Highest Marks for Safe Infant Sleep
Cape Coral Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and HealthPark Medical Center earned the highest possible gold-level certification from the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The hospitals are three of 10 in Florida to earn gold certification.
Lee Health Again Named One of Country’s Best Employers for Women
Lee Health is included among some of the world’s most recognizable organizations including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase and the Mayo Clinic in Forbes Magazine’s second annual Best Employers for Women rankings.
July 2019
Cape Coral Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida Awarded for Emergency Care
The emergency departments at Cape Coral Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida have each earned the prestigious Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award, which recognizes the best emergency departments in the United States across several core areas. Nationally, 28 emergency departments received the award in 2019, bringing the total to 69 Lantern-designated EDs in the United States. Cape Coral Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital are the only recipients in Southwest Florida, and two of six to receive the designation in the state of Florida.
Lee Health Recognized as One of Country's Best Employers for Women
Forbes named Lee Health as one of America’s Best Employers for Women. Forbes teamed up with market research company Statista to identify the companies liked most by female workers. The list was compiled by surveying 40,000 Americans, including 25,000 women working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees, For more information about the list of "Best Employers for Women" click here.
June 2019
Gulf Coast Medical Center Receives Patient Safety Excellence Award
Gulf Coast Medical Center was named one of the recipients of the 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. This was the second consecutive year the hospital has received this honor. This award recognizes the top 10 percent of hospitals in the country who have the lowest occurance of preventable patient safety events.
May 2019
The Leapfrog Group Awards an “A” to Lee Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, and HealthPark Medical Center
Determined using publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, and secondary data sources such as the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey and IT Supplement, hospitals receive a consumer-friendly composite score that equates to an A, B, C, D or F letter grade. Only the top 32 percent of hospitals in the nation earn scores high enough to receive the prestigious A grade.
March 2019
Four Lee Physician Group Offices are Florida’s First Pediatric “Asthma-Friendly” Outpatient Centers
Four Lee Physician Group (LPG) primary care clinics (Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres) became the first pediatric outpatient offices in the state designated platinum-level “Asthma-Friendly” by the Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC). This is the highest level of recognition the coalition awards and highlights outpatient centers that create a safe and healthy environment for patients with asthma.
All Lee Health Adult Hospitals Increase CMS Star Ratings
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their 2019 Five-Star Quality Ratings, awarding Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital with three stars. The scores reflect recent improvements undertaken by the health system to continue improving its quality of care for the Southwest Florida community.
February 2019
Lee Health Hospitals Among the Best of the Best in the U.S.
Four Lee Health adult acute care hospitals have been named among “America’s Best Hospitals™” for 2019, a distinction that places them in the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide, according to Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. This designation rewards hospitals that consistently exhibit comprehensive, quality care across all clinical areas.
2018
December 2018
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida named a Top Children’s Hospital
For the third year in a row, Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida was named a “Top Children’s Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group. Only 13 children’s hospitals in the country - three in Florida - earned this prestigious distinction, which highlights each hospital’s highest commitment to safety and quality care of children. Only three children’s hospitals in the country have ever been recognized by Leapfrog for three consecutive years.
Lee Health Earns Top Marks for High-Tech Implementation
All four Lee Health adult acute care hospitals were among the 2018 “Most Wired,” according to the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) annual survey. For the fifth straight year, Lee Health was one of only 254 health systems in the United States named “Most Wired.”
Also, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) evaluated LPG offices and determined Lee Health is among the elite group of health care systems achieving Stage 7 of the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Mode. HIMSS Stage 7 is the highest possible level and, as of the end of 2017, only 6.4 percent of health care systems achieved this status.
November 2018
Lee Health Hospitals Named Among Nation’s Top 50 for Heart Care
Lee Health’s HealthPark Medical Center was among the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2019, joining some of the most elite hospitals in the country including the Mayo Clinic, Henry Ford Hospital and Duke University Hospital. IBM Watson Health’s 50 top-performing hospitals represent the best heart care in the United States. HealthPark Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in Florida to earn the designation.
Lee Health's HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center listed as a 2018-2019 Best Nursing Home
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center was listed as a 2018-2019 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report, earning two top badges for quality care. Only 19 percent of the facilities U.S. News rated achieved a “Top Performing” badge and even fewer earned two. HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center is one of only four facilities in Lee County that earned “Top Performing” status in the overall ratings (20 Lee County facilities were rated) and one of only two to earn a “Top Performing” badge in short-stay rehabilitation.
The Leapfrog Group Announces Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grades
The Leapfrog Group awarding Gulf Coast Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital with the highest possible score of “A.” All four Lee Health adult acute care hospitals saw their raw scores improve over their scores from the spring. HealthPark Medical Center retained its “B” grade, just missing an A grade by .03. To learn more about Leapfrog’s Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grades, please visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org
September 2018
Lee Health Hospitals’ Stroke Care Earns Quality Achievement Awards
Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital each earned the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association’s (ASA) Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Target Stroke Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes success in implementing evidence-based guidelines and delivering excellent care for stroke patients. These awards acknowledge hospitals’ exceptional performance in administration of clot-busting tPA medication, which significantly reduces disability after stroke.
Lee Health’s Shipley Cardiothoracic Center Receives Highest Possible Star Rating for Lobectomies
Shipley Cardiothoracic Center was awarded the highest possible 3-star rating by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for lobectomy, a lung cancer procedure that removes a portion of the lung. The center is the only 3-star publically reporting facility in the state of Florida, and one of only six registry participants in the nation to be designated a 3-star program.
U.S. News Rates Lee Health Hospitals as High Performing
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center earned recognition as a 2018 Best Regional Hospital, ranking #12 in Florida out of 250 hospitals evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. The hospitals (combined) earned "High Performance" ratings in six medical procedures and conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, hip replacement, knee replacement, lung cancer surgery and heart bypass surgery. The ranking is two spots ahead of 2017. Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned "High Performance" ratings in COPD and heart failure.
August 2018
Lee Health Recognized as a Top 25 Hospital Best Employers for Women
Forbes partnered with a market research company to identify companies and organizations that support women in areas that are important to them, such as pay equity, opportunities for advancement, and family leave. Lee Health ranked 86th. For more information about the inaugural list of "Best Employers for Women" click here.
July 2018
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Named Most Beautiful Hospital in United States
Soliant, a leading specialty health care staffing provider and part of the Adecco Group, named Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida as Soliant’s Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S. for 2018. This recognition marks the fifth time a Lee Health hospital was named as one of the 20 most beautiful hospitals.
April 2018
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center Recognized for Quality
American Health Care Associates (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) recognized HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center for their achievement in the 2017 Quality Initiative Recognition Program. In addition to the AHCA Certificate of Achievement, HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center again received an overall five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
February 2018
Lee Health Recognized as One of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2018
February 2018 - Lee Health’s diversity is recognized among some of the largest and most recognizable companies, including Coca-Cola, Apple, Amazon.com, Walt Disney and Starbucks, as part of Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2018” list. Lee Health ranked 58 out of 250 companies and is the ninth highest ranked health care provider and the second highest ranked organization in Florida.
2017
December 2017
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Named a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group
For the second year in a row, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida was named a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. Only 10 children’s hospitals in the country - four in Florida - earned this prestigious distinction, which highlights each hospital’s highest commitment to safety and quality care of children.
November 2017
Lee Health Hospitals Rank in IBM Watson Health's 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2018
Lee Health’s Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are ranked in IBM Watson Health’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2018. Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are included on the Teaching Hospitals without Cardiovascular Residency Program list, and have been included on the list for six years.
Lee Health is First Healthcare System in US to Offer Heart-Check Certified Meals
Lee Health is the first health care system in the United States to offer select menu items Heart-Check certified by the American Heart Association®. Seven menu items have been Heart-Check certified and are available to patients, visitors and staff in Lee Health’s hospitals in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital.
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center Listed as a 2017-18 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center was listed as a 2017-18 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report, receiving a five-star rating. Only 15 percent of the facilities that U.S. News rated achieved “Top Performing” status by earning an overall rating of at least 4.5 stars. Last year, HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center was one of only four facilities in Lee County that earned “Top Performing” status in the ratings (20 Lee County facilities were rated).
Lee Health Behavioral Health Center Receives 2017 5-Star Performance Award
Lee Health Behavioral Health Center received the 2017 5-Star Performance Award presented by the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN). The award was presented at a special ceremony in November during the organization’s 20th Anniversary celebration. This is the second consecutive year Lee Health Behavioral Health Center has received the award.
August 2017
U.S. News Rates Lee Health Hospitals as High Performing
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center earned recognition as a 2017 Best Regional Hospital, ranking #14 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. The two hospitals (combined) earned “High Performance” ratings in five medical procedures and conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, hip replacement, knee replacement and lung cancer surgery. Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center earned “High Performance” ratings in COPD and heart failure.
July 2017
Lee Health Ranks in Top 6 Percent of America’s 500 Best Employers
Lee Health is included among some of the world’s most recognizable organizations, including Costco, Google, Mayo Clinic and Facebook, as part of Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers 2017” list. Lee Health ranked 29 out of 500 large companies across the country, and is the eighth highest ranked health care provider and the second highest ranked organization in Florida.
Four Lee Hospitals Named 2017 Most Wired for Four Consecutive Years
All four Lee Health acute care hospitals are among the 2017 Most Wired, according to the 19th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, released recently by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum. According to the survey, technology is making it easier for patients and providers to interact, thus improving communication, safety and patient-provider relationships. New tools are helping patients become more actively involved in their care and maintaining their health. Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital have been named Most Wired for the past four years by the AHA Health Forum.
June 2017
Lee Health Earns Inaugural Perinatal Quality Improvement Award
Lee Health was awarded the inaugural Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative (FPQC) John Curran Quality Improvement Award for its efforts in decreasing maternal morbidity. In application for this award, Lee Health submitted its quality improvement project titled “Decreasing Maternal Morbidity in a Multi Hospital System.”
May 2017
Lee Health Hospitals’ Stroke Care Earns Quality Achievement Awards
Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital earned the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association’s (ASA) Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes success in implementing evidence-based guidelines and delivering excellent care for stroke patients. Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center were also recognized with Target: Stroke Honor Roll – Elite Plus awards, and Lee Memorial Hospital received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll recognition. These awards acknowledge hospitals’ exceptional performance in administration of clot-busting tPA medication, which significantly reduces disability after stroke.
2016
July 2016
Gulf Coast Medical Center earns the 2016 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award
Gulf Coast Medical Center also received five-star ratings (the highest available from Healthgrades) for C-section and vaginal delivery services. The Labor and Delivery Excellence Award places Gulf Coast Medical Center in the top 10 percent of all hospitals evaluated for the care provided to mothers during labor and delivery.
Gulf Coast Medical Center is one of 118 facilities to earn the Labor and Delivery Excellence Award. According to Healthgrades’ analysis and statistics for 2012-2014 (which is the data used to determine 2016 award recipients), patients treated in hospitals receiving the Labor and Delivery Excellence Award have, on average, a 36.3 percent lower risk of experiencing complications while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award.
Four Lee Hospitals Named 2016 Most Wired for Three Consecutive Years
All four acute care hospitals in Lee Health were among the 2016 Most Wired, according to the 18th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, released recently by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum. According to the survey, technology is improving the efficiency of care delivery and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions. Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital were named Most Wired for the past three years by the AHA Health Forum.
White Coat of Quality Award Three Years in a Row
For three consecutive years, Lee Health was honored with the Surescripts White Coat of Quality Award, which recognizes dedication to continually improving data quality and patient safety in electronic prescribing of medications. The health system is one of only 16 organizations nationwide to achieve this recognition.
Quality assurance in medication e-prescribing is an essential tool for creating a safer health care system. Medication E-Prescribing electronically communicates prescriptions to a patient’s preferred pharmacy in the community. Rapid communication of prescriptions reduces delays in filling them and improves the quality and continuity of care. Patients are also offered the convenience of picking up their prescriptions at one of four Lee Pharmacy locations upon discharge from Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital.
May 2016
Lee Health Hospitals Earn Quality Achievement Awards for Stroke Care
Gulf Coast Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, these hospitals were recognized with Target Stroke Honor Roll awards, recognizing exceptional performance in administration the clot busting medication Alteplase, which significantly reduces disability after stroke.
To receive the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators and 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures. The Gold Level is awarded for 24 consecutive months of performance achievement.
These measures include aggressive use of medications, preventative treatments, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.
2015
October 2015
Cape Coral Hospital Earns a FHA Celebration of Service Award
Cape Coral Hospital received statewide recognition for Leadership in Quality and Patient Safety as part of the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) Celebration of Service Awards. The Leadership in Quality & Patient Safety Award recognizes the success of establishing safety behaviors and error prevention as daily habits. Focused on renewed priorities including prevention, healing and community connectivity, Cape Coral Hospital utilizes the Samueli Institute’s Optimal Healing Environment (OHE) framework and Lean as its management system to increase patient safety, employee wellness, and as a catalyst for achieving overall business outcomes.
The Florida Hospital Association strives to make Florida’s hospitals among the best in the nation through patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.
August 2015
Lee Health Achieves White Coat of Quality Award
Lee Health, including Lee Physician Group, was awarded the Surescripts White Coat of Quality Award for leading performance standards for clinical quality and best practices in e-Prescribing. The SureScripts White Coat Award recognizes exceptional safety in electronic medication prescribing technical practices. Lee Health received these special awards for all of its hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices, as the result of implementing the Epic electronic health record in a standard optimal manner, enabling best-practice care at all Lee Health locations.
E-Prescribing electronically communicates prescriptions to a patient’s preferred pharmacy in the community. Rapid communication of prescriptions reduces delays in filling them and improves the quality and continuity of care. When they are discharged, patients are also offered the convenience of picking up their prescriptions at pharmacies located in each of Lee Health’s hospitals: Gulf Coast Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral Hospital, and HealthPark Medical Center.
Surescripts is a nationwide health information network that connects, exchanges, and activates health information between pharmacies, payers, pharmacy benefit managers, physicians, hospitals, health information exchanges and health technology firms.
July 2015
Lee Health Named 2015 Most Wired
Each of Lee Health’s four acute care hospitals was recognized as “Most Wired” by Hospitals & Health Networks 17th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired Survey. Out of more than 2,200 eligible U.S. hospitals, only 338 made it to this year's Most Wired list, demonstrating some of the most advanced health IT use and adoption in the nation.
Most Wired hospitals typically share critical patient information electronically with specialists and other care providers. Most Wired hospitals, those that meet a set of rigorous criteria across four operational categories, have made tremendous gains by using advanced information technology to reduce the likelihood of medical errors. For instance, Lee Health hospitals’ medications are bar coded and then electronically scanned at the moment the medication is given to match the patient, the nurse and the medication in order to eliminate errors and provide safer care.
The 2015 Most Wired Award survey looked at Lee Health’s clinical automation, internal supply chain automation, physician portal, mobile device software tools, telehealth capabilities, automated clinical decision support to assist optimum care, internet capabilities, and patient engagement tools like MyChart and the MyChart Mobile Application.
2015 Gage Award
Healthy Lee was honored by America’s Essential Hospitals with the 2015 Gage Award for Population Health, which recognizes activites that improve delivery, access, or value for specific populations and improve health outcomes.
Healthy Lee is a countywide effort that began as Community Health Visioning 2017 for Lee Health when it convened 38 community leaders to help improve the health of our residents and improve the health care delivery system in our community. Today, more than 300 organizations in Lee County now actively contribute to Health Lee with a Steering Committee of 60 community leaders.
June 2015
2015 Governor’s Sterling Award Recipient
Cape Coral Hospital was the first community hospital in the state of Florida to receive the Governor’s Sterling Award. For 23 years, the Sterling Award has recognized organizations and businesses in Florida that have successfully achieved performance excellence within their management and operations.
For more information, visit www.floridasterling.com
March 2015
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center Named Among America’s 50 Best Hospitals
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center received the Healthgrades 2015 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award™, a distinction that places them in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide. This is the second consecutive year that Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center have received this prestigious recognition.
Being in the top 1 percent means patients of Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are less likely to experience medical or surgical complications, and have the best chances for survival during and after hospitalization.
Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ designation recognizes hospitals for consistent clinical excellence and exhibiting consistent superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients across a broad spectrum of care. Hospitals who have achieved this distinction set a clear and formal framework for improving quality which allows teams to evaluate and build on success, and quality is embedded in their culture.
January 2015
Lee Health Hospitals among Top 5% in Nation
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center have received Healthgrades 2015 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™. The distinction places these hospitals in the top 5 percent of the more than 4,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide and based solely on outstanding clinical performance as measured by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are among the 261 recipients of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™. They stand out among the rest for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care.
"Consumers today are assuming more and more responsibility for health care decisions and are increasingly relying on objective measures of quality to inform their selection of hospitals and physicians," said Evan Marks, Chief Strategy Officer, Healthgrades. "It is important for consumers to understand the variability in the nation's hospitals so that they can make more informed choices. By selecting a hospital that has achieved the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, consumers can be confident that this hospital has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to exceptional clinical quality care."
During the 2015 study period (2011-2013), these hospitals showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients in the Medicare population across at least 21 of 32 of the most common inpatient conditions and procedures —as measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications). The 2015 analysis of recipients also shows a correlation between high clinical outcomes and performance in core measures and patient experience measures.
Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance for over 4,500 hospitals across the nation in 36 procedures and conditions annually. Healthgrades.com provides information on objective measures of hospital performance, which allows consumers to compare their local hospitals online at www.healthgrades.com . Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance for nearly every hospital in the nation; no hospital can opt-in or opt-out of being evaluated, and no hospital pays to be evaluated.
2014
November 2014
Lee Health Receives KidCare Trendsetter Award
Lee Health was awarded the Florida KidCare Trendsetter Award during the Statewide Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Conference, and is proud to be the only one in the state to receive this recognition. The health system was acknowledged for its commitment to assisting uninsured children and families in Florida. For families struggling to get affordable health care for their children, Florida KidCare is an easy option. The program is available to families in all income brackets, as long as they do not currently have insurance. It covers children ages birth to 18 throughout the state. The program covers everything from routine physician visits to shots, surgery, prescriptions, emergencies and mental health.
October 2014
Lee Health Earns Two FHA Awards
The Leadership in Quality & Patient Safety Award recognizes the success of establishing safety behaviors and error prevention as daily habits. Lee Health won for its safety coach program. More than 600 SafeLee Safety Coaches are in place to assure the health system’s safety behaviors and error prevention tools become a daily habit. The Safety Coaches are instrumental in identifying issues that put patients at risk. Their duties include reinforcing safe behaviors and providing corrective feedback when needed and assisting teammates in identifying and removing safety barriers. They are communicators, observers, role models, educators, storytellers and partners.
Lee Health was also recognized as Best Hospital Workplace (over 150 beds) for working to create a strong culture of quality, safety and patient experience by engaging employees in culture changing activities including coaching and communication skills training. Lee Health has made a deliberate effort to create an organizational culture that is safe and supportive, while continuously improving and implementing practices that support delivering the highest value to patients by balancing quality, cost and access. The health system’s vision, mission, values and strategic plan initiatives are aligned to guide this culture.
September 2014
Golisano Children’s Hospital Receives ‘Path to Excellence’ Award
Golisano Children’s Hospital was recognized by the National Research Corporation as the best performing children’s hospital nationwide in delivering an excellent patient experience. As a 2014 award recipient, Golisano Children’s Hospital is among a select group of health care innovators leading the way on the path to patient-centered care, with greater than 98 percent of patients saying they were satisfied overall with care at the facility. This was the highest score of all 109 children’s hospitals in their comparison group.
National Research selected Path to Excellence award recipients based on their achievement within categories that patients have identified as being most important to the quality of their care
July 2014
HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital Achieve Top Honors as one of Healthgrades 2014 Women’s Health Excellence Award™ Recipients
HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital have achieved the Healthgrades 2014 Women’s Health Excellence Award. The recognition distinguishes HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital as a top performing hospital in women’s health and distinguishes them among the top 5 percent in the nation by comparing performance, not only for maternity care and gynecological services, but also how women fared when treated for cardiac, orthopedic, stroke and other conditions.
Lee Health Hospitals Recognized as ‘Most Wired’
Each of Lee Health’s four acute care hospitals has been recognized as “Most Wired” by Hospitals & Health Networks 16th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired Survey . As the nation’s health care system transitions to more integrated and patient-centered care, hospitals are utilizing information technology to better connect care providers with each other and with patients.
The 2014 Most Wired Award survey looked at Lee Health’s clinical automation, internal supply chain automation, physician portal, mobile device software tools, telehealth capabilities, automated clinical decision support to assist optimum care, internet capabilities, and patient engagement tools like MyChart and the MyChart Mobile Application.
May 2014
Care Transitions Receives Prestigious Case In Point Platinum Award
Lee Health’s Care Transitions program received the prestigious Case In Point Platinum award from Dorland Health. The award recognizes the most successful and innovative case management programs working to improve healthcare across the care continuum and the professionals and organizations making significant headway to address the challenges affecting the U.S. health care system.
Lee Health Named Healthcare Innovator of the Year
Food Management awarded Culinary Solutions and Lee Health with the Healthcare Innovator of the Year Award. Food Management, a leader throughout the noncommercial food industry, serves food service directors, managers and chefs throughout the United States. The award recognizes the high standards set by the program and the attention to detail in food preparation.
Central production at Culinary Solutions allows our hospitals to offer a cost-efficient modified room service program for patients as well as upgrade their café menus and implement the Journey to a Healthier You healthy eating initiative across the system.
The dining program has received solid financial support from our administrators to build the Culinary Solutions infrastructure and significantly renovate retail dining facilities at HealthPark Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital.
Hospitals Honored by American Heart Association for High Quality Stroke Care
Lee Health’s four acute care hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for implementing Get With The Guidelines stroke treatment protocol. Get With The Guidelines helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based protocol that are proven to speed recovery and reduce death and disability for stroke patients.
Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital all received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award. This is the third award of its kind for Gulf Coast Medical Center and a first for Cape Coral Hospital which received designation as a Primary Stroke Center in September of 2013.
Each of Lee Health’s acute care hospitals earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include aggressive use of medications and risk-reduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.
Lee Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center also received the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll for meeting stroke quality measures that reduce the time between hospital arrival and treatment with the clot-buster tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. People who suffer a stroke who receive the drug within three hours of the onset of symptoms may recover quicker and are less likely to suffer severe disability.
February 2014
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center Named Among America’s 50 Best Hospitals
Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Centerwere named among the nation’s 50 Best hospitals by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. This impressive distinction places Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center in the Top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide, out of over 4,500 hospitals evaluated. Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance for nearly every hospital in the nation; no hospital can opt-in or opt-out, and no hospital pays to be evaluated.
Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ designation recognizes hospitals for consistent clinical excellence by identifying those that received a Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ for the most consecutive years. Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center have achieved the Distinguished Hospital award (Top 5 percent in the nation) for eight years in a row. Recognition as top hospitals who have received this award for eight years or more include the likes of Mayo Clinic and New York Presbyterian.
These top hospitals are differentiated by their overall clinical excellence and have exhibited consistent superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients across a broad spectrum of care. Hospitals who have achieved this distinction set a clear and formal framework for improving quality which allows teams to evaluate and build on success, and quality is embedded in their culture.
Healthgrades.com provides information on objective measures of hospital performance, which allows consumers to compare their local hospitals online at www.healthgrades.com. Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance for over 4,500 hospitals across the nation in 36 procedures and conditions annually based on Medicare inpatient data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) database. To learn more about how Healthgrades determines America’s Best Hospitals Award recipients, please visit www.healthgrades.com/quality.
Bob Janes Triage Center Wins National Hospital Charitable Services Award
The Bob Janes Triage Center is among 10 programs from across the country recognized as a Program of Excellence by the Hospital Charitable Services Awards, a national program sponsored by Jackson Healthcare.
The Bob Janes Triage Center is a multi-agency collaboration that serves as a voluntary diversion program for individuals exhibiting symptoms of a behavioral health disorder(s) and who are at risk for low-level involvement with the criminal justice system. In addition, the project serves individuals referred by Lee Health hospitals who are high utilizers of acute medical and behavioral health services including frequent hospital visits for non-emergent care, crisis stabilization and detoxification. Homeless veterans are also referred by the Veteran’s Administration.
January 2014
Lee Health Earns Employer of Choice® Designation
Lee Health was awarded the designation “Employer of Choice®” in recognition of its dedication to a workplace culture that attracts, optimizes and retains high quality employees. The Employer of Choice® designation is awarded by Employer of Choice International, Inc., after completing a rigorous evaluation process, and review by an expert panel of independent human resource consultants. This is the third time Lee Health has earned the Employer of Choice® designation.