4 Lee Memorial hospitals earn government’s lowest rating

FORT MYERS, Fla. – One out of five stars. That’s the rating a government review gave Lee Memorial’s four hospitals.

The hospitals received low scores from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in categories like medical outcomes, the spread of hospital-bred infections, the frequency of unwarranted readmission and patient experience.

The results surprised Lee Memorial Health System officials who said they have room for improvement and are taking immediate action. They formed a rapid response task force after the ratings were released.

But hospital officials believe they have already made a number of improvements that are not reflected in the report and want to reassure patients about the provision of care. The report will be publicly available next week.

Hospital officials said they expect to earn the standing of a three-star hospital in the next year and will continue to strive for a five-star rating.