AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/affinity-health/)
Loretto Hospital hosted a virtual town hall last week featuring medical experts discussing the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, and the importance of having people of color participate in the clinical trials.
The hospital – which remains the largest private employer in Austin, with 624 people on staff – received an A rating for its fall report, after receiving average ratings of C’s and D’s. The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit based in Washington, grades hospitals across the country on factors like in-patient care, infections and practices to prevent error. Hospitals voluntarily participate, and Leapfrog releases reports twice a year.
The Loretto Hospital has become the first safety-net hospital in Illinois to conduct clinical trials, making it a pioneer for Illinois hospitals that serve patients regardless of insurance status.