South Tampa named among nation's best for patient safety

Tampa, FL – HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital announced today that it has been recognized as a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. This achievement reflects South Tampa Hospital’s clear commitment to safe, patient-centered care and puts the organization in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide as a Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient for a second year in a row. 

“We are honored to once again receive the Patient Safety Excellence Award™, a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care,” said Guillermo Pierluisi, MD, Chief Medical Officer.  “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every patient we serve.”       

HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital’s achievements are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. To determine the top-performing hospitals for patient safety, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Healthgrades’ analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nation’s highest- and lowest-achieving facilities, making it increasingly important for consumers to seek care at a hospital with top safety ratings. From 2021-2023, 173,280 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for nearly 76% of these incidents.* The annual study found that patients treated in hospitals that received the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower chance of experiencing one of the four leading safety indicators than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals: 

• In-hospital falls resulting in fracture (54% less likely)
• Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 55% less likely)
• Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 69% less likely)
• Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (72% less likely)

 “As a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient, HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital consistently puts the well-being of their patients and staff at the forefront, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide,” said Debra Gradick, MD FACEP, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. “We commend HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital for providing consistently exceptional care while preventing serious injuries, giving patients their best chance of a seamless recovery.” 

Where you’re treated matters, which is why Healthgrades is committed to providing the most scientifically accurate information about doctors and hospitals–with data insights not available anywhere else. Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for guidance on how to find safe, high quality care in 2025. 

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2024.0.1) to MedPAR data from approximately 4,500 hospitals for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. View the complete 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Awards Methodology.