On December 11, 2008, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released the 2007-08 Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) results for eligible hospitals, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and Regional Health Authorities across Canada (excluding Quebec). Eligible hospitals are those that meet a statistical threshold for public reporting of at least 2,500 HSMR cases in each of the four years being reported.

CIHI has not released results for hospitals, like ours, with less than 2,500 HSMR cases annually because they have deemed the results less stable and, therefore, less reliable. However, we have chosen to post our ratios on our website for public information and in the interests of transparency and accountability. Our hospital carefully reviews our HSMR results, and then works with health professionals to identify any opportunities for improvements – as we do when we receive reports on other safety and quality indicators, such as those in the OHA’s Hospital Report, or in the course of our standard quality improvement programs.

An HSMR ratio is a mathematical calculation. A ratio that is equal to 100 suggests that there is no difference between the hospital’s mortality rate and the average national rate. A ratio greater than 100 suggests that the hospital’s mortality rate is higher than the average national rate. A ratio less than 100 suggests that hospital’s mortality rate is lower than the average national rate.

Our hospital strongly supports the provincial government’s new public reporting regime because we believe it will inspire improved performance, enhance patient safety, and strengthen the public’s confidence in Ontario’s hospitals.

Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) at STEGH

	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
STEGH Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio	86	86	107*	92	88

*Incorrect coding practices during 06/07 resulted in a higher reported number than actual. This practice was corrected and accurate numbers were once again reported for the 07/08 period.

For more information visit:

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Canadian Institute for Health Information