BHS's Berkshire Medical Center Earns an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire Medical Center, the community teaching hospital of Berkshire Health Systems, has earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

Leapfrog assigns an "A," "B," "C," "D" or "F" grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.?? 

"The care and safety of our patients is paramount at Berkshire Medical Center," said James Lederer, MD, Berkshire Health Systems Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "This 'A' Hospital Safety Grade is a clear affirmation of the high quality of care provided by our healthcare team and a recognition of our commitment to excellence in serving the Berkshire community."? 

"Achieving an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "I extend my congratulations to Berkshire Medical Center, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first."  

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.? 

To explore Berkshire Medical Center's full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.  


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Pittsfield Council Makes Move to Hire Building Commissioner

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council removed residency requirements for Pittsfield's building commissioner during its regular meeting on Tuesday. 

Mayor Peter Marchetti reported there is a candidate for the position that does not live within a ten-mile radius, as required by the city code. 

"I understand why the police chief, fire chief, and DPW commissioner need to live within a 10-mile radius. I don't necessarily see the same from the building commissioner," he said. 

"So, in order to be able to move forward, we have offered the position to a candidate, and that candidate has accepted. So, I'm looking to streamline this process. The candidate won't give notice to their current employer until they know that we've made it through the hurdles of being able to hire someone that is outside of the code, so that's the purpose of tonight's request." 

Councilors approved an amendment to Chapter 16, section 23.1 (F), deleting "The Building Commissioner must establish a residence within 10 miles of the perimeter of the City within 90 days of appointment."

Rule 34 was waived so that it didn't have to go before the Ordinances and Rules Subcommittee before ordainment. 

The mayor said he can come forward with a name at the July meeting if this requirement is deleted. 

"When I saw this, I did not see why this position should have to be within 10 miles of the city," Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso said. 

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