2 Bayfront Health hospitals receive D rating

FORT MYERS, Fla. Two Bayfront Health hospitals were given a D rating by a national nonprofit organization for a second year in a row.

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte earned its low score because of surgical issues, according to the Leapfrog Group, a Washington-based watchdog organization that gathers hospital records and patient surveys to compose annual ratings.

The group found patients at Bayfront Health Punta Gorda suffered accidental cuts and blood clots while they were at the hospital.

“We are disappointed by our grade in the Leapfrog update as it does not fully reflect the quality of care we provide,” Bayfront Health spokesperson Bevin Holzschuh said. “Our hospitals continue to take every opportunity to further increase quality and service.”

The rating nonetheless elicited a negative reaction from Charlotte County resident Debbie Anlauf.

“It’s really disturbing to think that,” Anlauf said. “Not just for myself, but I wouldn’t want any of the people in the community going to a hospital that has ratings of a D.”

Leapfrog looks for mistakes, accidents and infection rates as its surveys patients at hospitals nationwide to asses hospital safety, quality and efficiency. The issues at Bayfront Port Charlotte involved patients with collapsed lungs, serious breathing problems and dangerous blood clots.

To check your local hospital, click here.