Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is Recognized as a Leading Hospital in Early COVID Care

Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center was listed on the Leading Hospitals in Early COVID Care list from Healthgrades® recognizing 24 U.S. hospitals that provided best-in-class COVID-19 care to their patients and community during the first wave of the pandemic while treating the highest volumes of coronavirus patients. 

“We are honored to know that the hard work of our team has been recognized by Healthgrades, said Danielle Drummond, MS, FACHE President and CEO, Lakeland Regional Health. “Our team has done amazing work throughout the pandemic, including early on when we were still learning about the virus, to provide safe, innovative and timely care for our patients and families during what was a very challenging time.” 

Lakeland Regional Health took early steps to lay a foundation of care by establishing a COVID Medical Oversight Committee to review and update literature, establish treatment protocols, and provide guidance for necessary decisions and operations related to COVID care. Some of the innovative work done at the Medical Center and in the ambulatory setting include: 

  • Instituted accurate testing platforms to ensure proper identification of COVID patients with strict infection prevention protocols 
  • Created dedicated COVID care units based on guidelines of best practice 
  • Procured adequate PPE for protection of hospital staff and visitors 
  • Established dedicated infusion center for monoclonal antibodies and other therapies 
  • Created a dedicated Respiratory Care clinic and Drive-Thru Testing Center 
  • Developed and implemented Telehealth services for COVID care and regular patient appointments 
  • Created an COVID-19 information hub for the community, schools and businesses 
  • Implemented ventilation therapies for severely ill patients 
  • Communicated with skilled nursing facilities/other facilities and Food Banks to provide support and coordination 

In its press release, Healthgrades stated that it identified the Leading Hospitals in Early COVID Care using inpatient data from CMS and that the hospitals treated more than 750 COVID patients from January – September 2020, and achieved a below-average mortality rate. 

“For over 20 years, Healthgrades has provided consumers with the answers they need to choose the best care for their family’s health,” said Burt Kann, EVP and Head of Product at Healthgrades. “We salute the many hospitals and healthcare providers who have stepped up during the pandemic, and celebrate this list of standout hospitals, who not only saw the largest influx of patients, but also excelled during one of the toughest times our nation has seen.” 

About Lakeland Regional Health  

Not-for-profit Lakeland Regional Health reaches beyond its hospital walls to promote wellness, education and discovery in new places and new ways, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at its Medical Center, Hollis Cancer Center and ambulatory care locations. Lakeland Regional Health earned Most Wired Advanced and Most Wired status seven times since 2013 and has earned workplace awards from Forbes, Gallup and Becker’s Hospital Review. Its 892-bed comprehensive tertiary referral hospital, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, operates the Jack and Tina Harrell Family Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine; a Level II Trauma Center; the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, which includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and the Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine. 

About Healthgrades 

Healthgrades® is dedicated to empowering stronger and more meaningful connections between patients and their healthcare providers. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and a leader in healthcare transparency, they help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their provider of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content. Its health system, provider, and life sciences marketing solutions have been helping our partners reach and engage consumers who are on their way to the doctor for over 20 years. Healthgrades is part of RV Health, a Red Ventures business, which has the largest consumer health and wellness audience online across its brand portfolio including Healthline, Healthgrades, Medical News Today, Greatist, Psych Central, Bezzy and Platejoy. Each month, RV Health helps more than 100 million unique visitors live their strongest and healthiest lives. 

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