Arizona ranks 44th in the nation when it comes to average patient safety scores in the state’s hospitals, according to a new report from the nonprofit, Leapfrog Group, which monitors hospital safety processes, accident prevention and medical errors.

“Arizona, overall, is one of the lowest-performing states when we look nationally,” said Katie Stewart, Leapfrog Group’s director of healthcare ratings.

In this year’s report, just 10% of Arizona’s hospitals earn an “A” grade. That compares to 29% nationwide.

According to the report, overstressed hospitals nationwide saw significant increases in healthcare-associated infections during the pandemic. Central line-associated bloodstream infections jumped 60%, for example. But Stewart said the impact was even more dramatic in Arizona.

“Arizona was one of the states with the greatest increases, with about a 143% increase,” Stewart said. “Those bloodstream infections can be catastrophic complications and can lengthen a hospital stay.”

Stewart said safety ratings can vary widely among individual hospitals. While Arizona ranks low overall as a state, Stewart noted Phoenix’s Mayo Clinic is consistently one of the best-performing hospitals nationwide in the annual report.

For those who don’t live near any facilities with a top score, Stewart recommends patients ask providers about safety protocols before a hospital stay.

“Asking those tough questions of providers, reminding them to wash their hands, asking them what they’re doing to keep you safe, is really important for yourself and your family,” Stewart said.