CLEVELAND — The American Hospital Association selected University Hospitals health system as the Quest for Quality Prize winner.

The prize recognizes health care leadership and innovation for improving quality and advancing health in communities.

The prize was first awarded in 2002. It will be presented to UH on July 18 at the AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego. 

“We have long known University Hospitals is a jewel in our community, with a 156-year legacy of providing the highest quality care for all,” said Dr. Cliff A. Megerian, the UH chief executive officer and Jane and Henry Meyer chief executive officer distinguished chair. “We take pride in knowing that AHA also recognizes the exceptional work our UH team has undertaken to provide unparalleled patient-centered care for our community."

A committee of health care quality and patient safety experts selected UH because of the system's achievements. The committee focused on UH's maturity and approach to quality, safety and equity.

"The fact that our caregivers have earned this highest praise at a time when many were emotionally exhausted by the pandemic and stretched to the limits from staffing shortages, underscores the strength, resilience and dedication of our team to innovate, uphold our steadfast focus on quality and safety, and care for our patients no matter what," Megerian said. "Our goal is to be the most trusted health care partner in Northeast Ohio, and this award is proof we are moving the needle in that regard.”

The committee praised UH's "I Will" statements in which caregivers develop positive statements of belief around their roles. 

“University Hospitals has made outstanding contributions in elevating the quality of care they provide each day to their patients and communities throughout Northeast Ohio,” said Rick Pollack, AHA’s president and CEO. “The important lessons learned from University Hospitals will inspire hospitals and health systems to advance care across the country.”

The commitee also acknowledged the system's community connections and its mantra, "the community is our patient." 

For the past three years, UH has been changing beliefs about patient safety.

“The secret sauce to get to zero is that people need to stop believing that harm is inevitable and start believing ‘it’s preventable and it’s my job to do it,’” said Dr. Peter Pronovost, the system’s chief quality and clinical transformation officer.

UH joins approximately 20 other health systems and hospitals who have received this honor. UH first won this award 10 years ago for its efforts in transparency, accountability and quality innovation.