Hartford Hospital was named today to the inaugural list of Best Hospitals in America by Money Magazine, in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of health care safety and quality. Money and Leapfrog selected just 148 U.S. hospitals out of 6,000 to receive the award. Hartford Hospital is the only hospital in Connecticut to receive the prestigious recognition.

“I am so proud of this important recognition,” said Jeffrey Flaks, Hartford HealthCare president and CEO. “Hartford HealthCare is actively engaged in the difficult process of transforming healthcare. We are redefining healthcare to be better than it ever has been: safer, more accessible, more affordable and more equitable. To have Hartford Hospital recognized by Money and Leapfrog is a tribute to the teams who go above and beyond every day. I am incredibly proud of my colleagues who have earned this tremendous honor, and proud that Connecticut communities have access to the best health care in the nation.”

Hospitals were chosen for their consistent delivery of the safest, highest-value care for patients and excellence in hospital experience. Infection rates, maternity care, pediatrics, medication management, hand hygiene practices, nursing workforce and critical care factored into the selection process. Leapfrog also tracked the number of high-risk surgeries, including open heart surgery, bariatric surgery for weight loss, lung cancer surgery and hip replacement surgery, among others. The list includes general, children’s, teaching and rural hospitals.

“This is a win for our state and this important recognition illustrates our ongoing commitment to quality, safety and the patient experience,” said Bimal Patel, president of Hartford Hospital and senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare. “Our colleagues are devoted to maintaining and enhancing best practices in every area of care through education, process evaluation and strategic partnerships. I am proud of my colleagues and the work we’ve accomplished.”