Duke, UNC Rex and WakeMed get A grades from hospital ranking service

Several local hospitals, including Duke’s University, Regional and Raleigh hospitals, UNC’s Rex and Holly Springs hospitals and WakeMed in Raleigh and in Cary got A grades in an independent hospital ranking report.

The Leapfrog Group ranks hospitals across the country twice each year on an A to F scale based on how well the facilities prevent medical errors and things like falls or infections after surgery and on how patients rate communication with medical staff.

How safe is your hospital? Check Leapfrog grades.

"Healthy competition is really important. I think it’s a good sign to have several organizations that are excelling," said Alexandra Campione with The Leapfrog Group, of the many high-ranking hospitals in the Triangle.

North Carolina came in eighth nationwide in the rankings, with 42.2% of hospitals earning an A. For the first time this year, Leapfrog also ranked metropolitan areas, and the Triangle was in the Top 10.

"Where patients are seeking care goes beyond the city you live in. If you live in a metropolitan area, you may send your kids to the other side of town. What we wanted to do was make it easier to see the level of care patients are receiving throughout their metropolitan area," Campione said.