Guthrie Cortland Recognized For Excellence in Patient Safety

On Tuesday, the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center was recognized by Healthgrades with the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award. Guthrie says the award reflects the hospital’s commitment to safe, patient-centered care and puts the organization in the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety.

“This award from Healthgrades speaks to the heart of how we approach patient care,” said Jennifer Yartym, President, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. “Every person who comes to us is someone’s family member, friend or neighbor. Their care and safety are our highest priority.”

In order to achieve the recognition, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates from nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country through 13 patient safety indicators, with each patient safety indicator representing a serious, preventable, complication.

Patients treated at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and other facilities awarded by Healthgrade had a profoundly lower risk of experiencing these leading complications:

• In-hospital fall resulting in fracture (52.4% less likely)
• Collapsed lung due to a procedure in or around the chest (57.5% less likely)
• Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (67.8% less likely)
• Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (71.9% less likely)

“The data behind this year’s Patient Safety Excellence Award highlights how measurable improvements in safety can prevent thousands of complications,” said Dr. Alana Biggers, MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. “By prioritizing evidence-based safety practices, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center is achieving better clinical outcomes and cultivating a culture where patients come first.”