SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — An organization that grades medical care put out a report card Wednesday ranking Central Florida hospitals.
The Leapfrog Group said its goal is to reduce preventable medical errors.
While Orlando Regional Medical Center was given an "A" grade, South Lake Hospital, Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Leesburg Regional Medical Center-North and Central Florida Regional Hospital were given a "C" grade.
Many people in Sanford said they were surprised by Central Florida Regional Hospital's "C" grade.
"They do everything for the patient, so for it to be a low grade, I don't see that," said hospital visitor Justine Borrero.
The Leapfrog Group, a national non-profit that follows patient safety, looked at 26 different factors -- from safety policies to the rate of medication mix-ups and infections.
The gave the Sanford hospital a dismal 5 out of 100 points for doctor staffing in the intensive care unit, a vital area where a patient's life can hang in the balance.
"Not all hospitals are the same. Some are safer than others and people deserve to know which is which," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group.
In a statement, a hospital spokesperson pointed out the report used data from 2011 and said the hospital has since made improvements to address any issues.
One of the best scores went to Orlando Regional Medical Center. It went from a "C" grade earlier this year to an "A" grade in the latest round of grades.
Overall, the Leapfrog Group said mistakes and infections are still a serious problem in hospitals across the United States. That's an assessment most hospital visitors weren't surprised by.
"I don't know how many people go in and come out with staph infections. It's very common and that's very scary," said hospital visitor Julie Malaghan.
Click here for a full list of hospital grades.
WFTV
