The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems that hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“This ‘A’ ranking at our hospitals is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated providers and employees, who consistently strive to deliver safe, high-quality care to our patients,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare.  “In addition, numerous others throughout the organization provide essential support and resources to our providers and caregivers.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to nearly 3,000 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year, in the fall and spring.

To see full grade details for each of Norton Healthcare’s four Louisville adult-service hospitals and get patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.

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In March, Katina celebrates her 25-year service anniversary as a member of the Norton Healthcare family. In her current role, she collaborates with providers on details of patients’ care, educates other staff and works with children receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU).

“My favorite thing is seeing patients get better, move out of the ICU, feel well enough to start smiling and playing, and then hearing parents say, ‘This is my child,’” Katina said.

A 12-year breast cancer survivor, Katina graciously offers support to young patients processing all that accompanies their own breast cancer diagnosis. She regularly volunteers with the American Cancer Society to mentor these patients, sharing encouragement and advice from her own experience to provide comfort and companionship.

Katina views Black History Month as an opportunity to showcase the many great contributions African Americans have made in our country.

For Katina, Black history’s relevance is not limited to a February commemoration, but she does appreciate the time to remember that many of the things we use in everyday life, such as traffic lights and automatic elevator doors, were patented by African Americans.

A student of history, Katina loves reading to learn more about trailblazers. During February she might share Black history facts on social media or wear Black history-themed T-shirts throughout the month, viewing both these approaches as opportunities to spread awareness and education.

Lived experience is often the greatest teacher, and Katina greatly appreciates the wealth of knowledge that is her 93-year-old grandmother. Together they attend Fifth Street Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Kentucky. Katina is proud to share how her grandmother was in attendance when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the church to speak. Katina also appreciates the congregation’s rich history in leading civil rights rallies.

“Knowing these people marched and sacrificed for me to have my birthright and to make sure every American was treated equally, no matter the color of your skin — to make sure we got our equal due in education, in the workplace and in all parts of society — I feel that I am my ancestors’ dream,” Katina said.

When asked to name inspirational role models, Katina lists aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, along with specific ways each shaped who she is today. Throughout Katina’s family tree, education has been a consistent value. Older generations share how they had to fight tenaciously for the opportunity to receive quality education, and they want Katina and the next generation to take advantage of the doors education can open.

Katina shares that her grandfather lived in Calhoun, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. When times were particularly tough, he ran out of toilet paper and had to use tobacco leaves. It was then that her grandfather made a promise that once he had a family, he would never let them be without. For the rest of his life, he kept a pantry in his house stuffed to the brim with toilet paper, a symbol of that promise.

For Katina, February is a time to appreciate how far we’ve come but also to remember how far we still have to go.

“We’re all in this world together. We should put colorism behind us and see each person as a loving individual who contributes to society,” Katina said.

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Norton Healthcare was one of 406 facilities nationwide to earn a top score of 100 points and receive the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation.

“Norton Healthcare was founded on a mission of service to all,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “From non-discriminatory policies for both patients and employees to support of community events such as the Louisville Pride Festival, Norton Healthcare is committed to compassionate, quality care and to serving as an ally for the LGBTQ community.”

The 12th edition of the HEI assesses participants on four criteria: non-discrimination and staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. Facilities that receive the maximum score in each section earn the status as a 2019 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader.

“In health care, we support patients and families when they are at their most vulnerable,” Joseph Flynn, M.D., chief administrative officer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute. “It’s important our interactions and the care we provide align with our organizational values so our patients feel comfortable in all of our facilities.”

A record 680 health care facilities actively participated in the 2019 HEI survey. In addition, the HRC Foundation proactively researched key policies at 1,000 additional nonparticipating hospitals.

Another 148 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 81% of participants scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.

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The LOI allows the organizations to explore a more meaningful partnership as the organizations work toward a definitive agreement later this summer.

The goal is to further align strategic, operational and financial interests to support pediatric care, teaching and research.

“We want to ensure we continue to promote healthy children and communities while maintaining our strong academic training programs and research, which translate into better care for children,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi, Ph.D. “We’ll do that by leveraging the strengths of the UofL School of Medicine, ULP – Pediatrics and Norton Healthcare.”

“For many years, Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s Hospital have worked closely with the University of Louisville through our academic affiliation,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer of Norton Healthcare. “Each day, dedicated providers from both organizations work together to deliver quality care that children and their families need. Together we have grown specialty services for children in the important areas of heart, diabetes and cancer care. With this new initiative, we expect this type of growth to continue, and we are committed to identifying even better ways to meet the health care needs of children and families.”

The post Norton Healthcare, UofL School of Medicine, UofL Physicians – Pediatrics sign Letter of Intent for new affiliation appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Patients and staff opened the hospital’s 24-bed medical/surgical unit, which will provide care for patients with respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological diseases, and children recovering from a variety of surgical procedures. The 31,000-square-foot space, which encompasses the entire sixth floor, features private patient rooms along with a teen entertainment room, toddler playroom and family nourishment spaces. Previously, the area had been a conference room and office space.

“We’ve designed this unit to include family-oriented amenities so that patients can focus on healing,” said Emmett C. Ramser, chief administrative officer, Norton Children’s Hospital.

The new unit is part of Norton Healthcare’s $78.3 million investment to renovate several areas of Norton Children’s Hospital. The Children’s Hospital Foundation has committed to raising $20 million. This new medical/surgical unit was made possible through support from the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the community, along with a gift from WHAS Crusade for Children.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s continued support of Norton Children’s Hospital and our mission to provide the most comprehensive care for all kids,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D., R.N., CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “This new medical/surgical unit will make a significant difference to our patients and their families.”

“Norton Children’s Hospital does an amazing job providing necessary medical interventions for children throughout the region, and this critical need in our community aligns perfectly with the mission of WHAS Crusade for Children to make life better for children with special needs,” said Dawn Lee, president and CEO, WHAS Crusade for Children. “A strong partnership has formed over many years, and we are proud to help Norton Children’s continue the important work they are doing for the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens.”

With the medical/surgical unit complete, work will begin next month to build the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Other areas to be renovated as part of the overall project include the “Just for Kids” Critical Care Center and two neonatal intensive care units. The entire project will be completed in 2022.

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Selecting Norton Children’s Hospital as the new name of our children’s hospital involved several rounds of research through focus groups within our community, as well as Norton Healthcare employees. These groups made it clear that the “Just for Kids” balloon and Norton name meant something to our neighbors and families.

The next step was creating a logo that assured our community that the same caregivers and compassion they have come to know and expect are still here, and will be for many years to come.

1. Balloon: One of the better-known symbols of the hospital, the hot-air balloon assures that nothing has changed but the name. The balloon suggests whimsy and a child’s dream of flying. It also suggests that things are looking up and improving. It supports the remarkable journey to better health thanks to the care provided at Norton Children’s Hospital and our related pediatric facilities.
2. Colors: The series of six bright colors creates a rainbow effect, which symbolizes the concept that you’re a witness to something quite rare and very special.
3. “Just for Kids”: We are dedicated to the health and well-being of children.
4. Children’s: Children are at the heart of what we do, and that is our main focus. With this word being the largest in our logo, it focuses on that sentiment. The font is clean and has open spaces that convey strength and forward thinking. Upper and lowercase rounded letters are friendly and soft, symbolizing the care we provide every day to families. It also connects to our history as Children’s Free Hospital, which was founded in 1892.
5. Norton: Written in the same font as that of our parent brand, Norton Healthcare, it’s the connection to our organization and history.
6. Secondary line: “Hospital,” “Medical Center” and “Medical Associates” specify the location of the service.

Learn more about our name change.

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