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Lack of data to blame for failing grade for Orangeburg, Calhoun hospital, CEO says

Orangeburg County, SC (WLTX) - News 19 reported recent safety scores for hospitals in the Midlands ranging "A" to "F," but the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties had a failing grade.

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a non-profit organization that scores hospitals on how safe they keep patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. In their most recent report they gave the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties an "F" in all five of their categories.

Charles Williams, the CEO of RMC of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, said their grade came from data collected between 2015-17. Williams said they did not submit information for Leapfrog's survey request, resulting in lower scores. He could not provide an answer about why they did not submit information, because he was not CEO at that time.

"What I don't want to do is be the Monday morning quarterback and say why another leader decided not to do something. There are other organizations across America who don't submit for different reasons," Williams said. "I've heard some make the comment well we have an opportunity for improvement so they don't do it and others just say they don't believe in it. I am one in this leadership team we believe in full transparency."

Williams' current goal is to do a complete 180, and earn a much higher grade for Leapfrogs next report.

"You have a commitment from me and this team we will never shy away because of a report because our goal is to get better," he said. "We will be participating and listen, the goal is an 'A' and if they had a grade that was higher than an 'A' I would be focusing on that, but we will get there."

After the initial story about the hospital's failing grade, we heard rumors the hospital could be closing down. However, William says he is absolutely not concerned about the hospital shutting down.

The hospital is also working on building an emergency department to serve Bamberg and Barnwell counties, which have not had hospitals in years.There is no set date for the opening of that emergency department, but it should be early next year.

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