**Illinois Hospitals See Rise in Safety Scores, Leapfrog Group Reports**

In a recent upgrade, more Illinois hospitals are achieving top safety scores, with the latest reports showing an increase in A-rated institutions. The Leapfrog Group's newest ratings reveal that 32 hospitals in Illinois have received A grades this fall, a significant rise from 24 earlier this year. This improvement propels Illinois to 23rd place nationally for patient safety, a notable climb from the 30th position it held in the spring.

Several hospitals emerged as top performers, including the University of Chicago Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. Six Endeavor Health facilities in Evanston, Highland Park, Glenview, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Arlington Heights also earned A grades. Additionally, seven Northwestern Medicine hospitals located in Huntley, DeKalb, Chicago, Winfield, Geneva, Lake Forest, and McHenry were recognized for their superior safety standards.

Noteworthy is the consistent performance of the University of Chicago Medical Center, Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, and Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, all of which have maintained straight A's since 2012. Dr. Tom Spiegel, vice president and chief quality officer at UChicago Medicine, attributed their success to rigorous patient safety measures aimed at preventing hospital-acquired infections, falls, and other adverse outcomes.

Endeavor Health, previously known as NorthShore University HealthSystem, has expanded its reach, incorporating hospitals in Naperville, Elmhurst, Chicago, and Arlington Heights. Dr. Lakshmi Halasyamani, the chief clinical officer at Endeavor, mentioned that this growth has allowed them to integrate and apply best practices across their network, enhancing overall patient care.

While the majority of Endeavor's hospitals received A grades, the Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago was the only exception this fall. The progress highlights the ongoing efforts and focus on patient safety within the state's healthcare system, setting a path for continued improvements and higher standards in medical care.