Las Vegas HEALS News

Valley Hospital was awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the third consecutive time by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

“It takes a healthcare village to earn the top grade from the Leapfrog Group,” said Ryan Tingey, CEO of Valley Hospital. “Our team, including our medical staff, is committed to providing safe, effective health care for the thousands of residents and tourists who spend time in our hospital. We are proud to earn this distinction for outstanding patient safety for the third consecutive period.”

The Leapfrog Group assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to all 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.

“My sincere congratulations to Valley Hospital for upholding patient safety standards through thick and thin, achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for its third consecutive round of the Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Consistently earning an A demonstrates a long-term, organization-wide commitment to putting patient safety first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, injuries and infections that can lead to harm or even death. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to find essential patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and stay updated through The Leapfrog Group newsletter.

About Valley Hospital Medical Center
Valley Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician offices that provide care for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding areas. Located in the Las Vegas Medical District, Valley Hospital, a 306-bed facility, is accredited by The Joint Commission and provides expertise in emergency services, advanced cardiovascular and neurological surgeries and procedures, robotic and minimally invasive surgical services, interventional radiology procedures, adult behavioral health, and advanced outpatient wound healing and hyperbaric medicine, along with three freestanding emergency departments. Valley Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and has earned numerous awards and certifications in the areas of stroke, cardiac care, diabetes and kidney care. Additionally, Valley Hospital offers graduate medical education residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics and pharmacy, along with Fellowships in Gastroenterology and Pulmonary/Critical Care.

About The Leapfrog Group                                                                                   

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

No confirmed cases of infant botulism linked to current outbreak reported at this time

The Southern Nevada Health District is sharing information about a national investigation into cases of infant botulism potentially linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. At this time, no confirmed cases have been reported in Clark County. The Health District encourages parents and caregivers to review recall information and take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of infants in their care.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating 15 reported cases of infant botulism in 12 states. All infants in the national investigation were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. As part of the ongoing investigation, ByHeart has voluntarily expanded its recall to include all batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, including both cans and Anywhere Pack™ single-serve packets.

Parents and caregivers using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula should:

• Stop using the product immediately, regardless of batch or lot number.
• Review the recall and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer.
• Clearly label any remaining product as “Do Not Use” and keep it stored safely, away from children and pets.
• Clean and sanitize any bottles, scoops, counters, and feeding items that may have come into contact with the formula.
• Monitor infants for symptoms of illness and contact a health care provider with any concerns.

Infant botulism is rare, but caregivers should be aware of symptoms. These can include:

• Constipation
• Poor feeding
• Weak or altered cry
• Reduced facial expression
• Difficulty swallowing
• Generalized weakness or decreased movement

Symptoms may develop gradually. Parents should contact their child’s health care provider if these signs and symptoms develop.

The Health District is continuing to monitor the investigation and will share additional updates as they become available. Although no cases have been identified locally, the national recall and outbreak investigation are ongoing.

For more information about the investigation and recall, visit:

• CDC: www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025
• FDA outbreak investigation: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
• FDA recall notice: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

For general Health District information, visit www.SNHD.info.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sunrise Health System is proud to announce that MountainView Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center have each received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in hospital safety and quality.

This recognition places both hospitals among the safest in the nation, reflecting a sustained commitment to protecting patients from preventable harm and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

“Receiving an ‘A’ from Leapfrog is a tremendous honor that reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses and entire care teams,” said Division Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeff Murawsky. “At Sunrise Health System, safety is at the heart of everything we do — from the bedside to the boardroom. We’re proud to provide our community with care that exceeds the highest national standards.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors, infections and injuries. Grades are assigned to nearly 3,000 general hospitals nationwide twice each year, with ‘A’ representing the highest level of patient safety performance.

Hospitals earning an “A” excel across 22 evidence-based measures, including staff responsiveness, medication safety, infection prevention and effective communication between caregivers and patients. These efforts result in shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and lower mortality rates.

About Sunrise Health System:

The Sunrise Health System, which includes Sunrise Hospital, Sunrise Children’s Hospital, MountainView Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital, is the largest provider of complex care in the state of Nevada. We employ almost 8,000 Nevadans and last year alone we invested $190 million dollars in capital investment locally. In 2024, we admitted 92,000 patients throughout our four hospitals and six freestanding emergency rooms. Our overall system of care is made up of 50 sites across the Las Vegas valley, including specialty clinics, urgent care centers and outpatient facilities.

The Sunrise Health System is committed to developing our local healthcare workforce through programs like the Sunrise Health Medical Education Consortium and Galen College of Nursing to train the next generation of clinicians so that our community has access to world class care close to home. Sunrise Health System and its hospitals in Nevada are proud to be part of HCA Healthcare, a global leader with 190 hospitals and more than 2,400 care sites across 20 states and the United Kingdom. Our scale and reach allow the Sunrise Health System to leverage advanced technology, cutting-edge research and evidence-based medicine to advance patient care.

The Southern Nevada Health District has launched a new Respiratory Disease Dashboard, a user-friendly online tool that brings together up-to-date data on flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Clark County.

The dashboard, available on the Health District’s website at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/, enables the public, health care providers and community partners to track immunization trends, hospitalizations, and impacts by age group, geography and other demographics. By offering a combined view of the three major seasonal respiratory illnesses, the tool is designed to improve transparency, support timely decision-making, and enhance awareness of viruses circulating in the community.

“Having one place where the community can see flu, COVID-19 and RSV side-by-side will help us all stay better prepared,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “We encourage everyone to visit the dashboard and partner with us in protecting our community’s health.”

This integrated dashboard supports timely monitoring so that providers, schools, workplaces and households can stay alert to rising trends, practice prevention and seek care when needed. Publicly available data also help the Health District and community partners coordinate preparedness efforts, inform vaccine and treatment campaigns, and respond proactively.

Prevention and Protection

• Stay up to date with recommended vaccines. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older; RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older, adults 60-74 at increased risk, and for pregnant women at 32-36 weeks gestation (September through January). RSV monoclonal antibodies are recommended for all infants under 8 months and for children 8-19 months at higher risk.
• Practice everyday prevention. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick. People who are, or care for someone who is, immunocompromised, should consider extra precautions such as masking in crowded indoor spaces.
• Share reliable information. Visit and share the dashboard link with networks, organizations and community groups to help keep Southern Nevada informed.

In addition to the new Respiratory Disease Dashboard, the Health District shares a variety of data dashboards on www.HealthySouthernNevada.org, providing information on key community health indicators.

Southern Hills Hospital is proud to announce another major milestone in robotic surgery technology. The hospital has added a second advanced robot for urology, gynecologic, thoracic and general surgeries — making Southern Hills Hospital the only hospital in Southern Nevada equipped with two of these state-of-the-art systems.

With this expansion, Southern Hills Hospital now offers surgical procedures with ten advanced surgical robots across multiple specialties, including:

• A robot dedicated to pulmonary cases
• One for orthopedic procedures
• Four spine robots, including the world’s only multi-arm robotic spine system
• And four systems that assist with minimally invasive surgeries

The latest robot features next-generation surgeon controls and ultra-realistic 3D imaging, enhancing precision, efficiency and workflow for surgical teams. This ultimately will improve patient outcomes and speed up recovery time.

“Our investment in advanced surgical technology reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional healthcare for the Las Vegas community,” said Jason Desai, chief operating officer at Southern Hills Hospital. “We’re excited about this addition to our fleet of robots, which will expand what’s possible for our patients and physicians.”

By continuing to invest in innovation, Southern Hills Hospital is leading the way in robotic-assisted surgery in Nevada, bringing world-class, precise and minimally invasive care to more patients than ever before. Within the Sunrise Health System, which also includes MountainView Hospital and Sunrise Hospital, our dedicated and talented teams utilize a total of 21 robots system-wide to bring the most advanced care to our community.

ABOUT SOUTHERN HILLS HOSPITAL:

Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center is a 311-bed facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a leading healthcare provider in the state, Southern Hills is dedicated to compassionate and quality healthcare, offering adult and pediatric emergency services, a behavioral health program, an accredited chest pain center, a dedicated orthopedic and spine unit, OB/GYN, Level III NICU, diagnostic imaging, outpatient infusion clinic and surgical services. It’s the third Comprehensive Stroke Center certified in the state and the only hospital in southwest Las Vegas to be recognized by the American Stroke Association.

Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center is also the recipient of Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospitals Awards for four consecutive years, recognized with Healthgrades America’s Patient Safety Excellence Award™ two years in a row and was named one of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Fortune two years in a row. For more information, please visit our website at www.southernhillshospital.com.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first confirmed case of measles in Clark County since 2018. The case involves an infant who was not yet eligible to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The child was hospitalized and has since been discharged and is recovering.

As of November 4, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,681 measles cases nationwide this year, including three confirmed deaths. Current measles activity continues to be associated with exposure to the virus during international travel and subsequent spread among unvaccinated individuals.

Community members may have been exposed to measles at the following location and times:

• St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus Pediatric Emergency Department, on October 31, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and November 1, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Health District’s disease surveillance team is working with the facility to notify potentially exposed patients and staff and provide appropriate follow-up information and resources.

“Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others simply by being in the same room with an infected person,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We encourage anyone who visited the listed location during the exposure periods to monitor for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they develop signs of illness. It is very important to call ahead before seeking care so that steps can be taken to avoid exposing others.”

Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to develop. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms start. A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after it begins. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours and be transferred to the nose or mouth by touching infected surfaces.

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing the disease. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Infants 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally should receive one early dose before travel.

People who were at the exposure locations listed above should:

• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
• Check vaccination status.
• Contact their health care provider if symptoms develop.
• Call ahead before going to a health care facility.

There is no specific treatment for measles. Supportive care such as rest, fluids and fever-reducing medications is recommended. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death. Young children and adults over age 20 are at higher risk of severe illness.

For additional information, call the Health District’s Information Line at (702) 759-4636 (INFO) or visit the website at https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/measles-rubeola/.

To make an appointment for vaccination at a Health District clinic, visit www.SNHD.info/immunizations or call (702) 759-0850.

Six lung cancer screening facilities in Nevada, including two in Las Vegas, will open their doors on Saturday, Nov. 8 as part of the fourth annual National Lung Cancer Screening Day. The nationwide event is part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and has hundreds of hospitals, radiology centers, and other screening facilities across the U.S. offering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening to the public on a Saturday.

Annual lung cancer screening with LCDT for those at risk of lung cancer has proven to find lung cancer at its earliest stages, while using roughly one quarter of the radiation of a routine CT scan.

Southern Nevada locations include:

• Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway
• Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada at 3730 S. Eastern Ave.

“Regular screening for people at higher risk for lung cancer has improved with the use of LDCT, but many people aren’t aware that screening is an option or that they’re eligible to be screened,” said NCC Executive Director Cari Herington. “National Lung Cancer Screening Day gives us an opportunity to educate the community and also give people access to lung cancer screening without having to take a day off work.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Nevada, taking an estimated 940 lives each year in the state. Newer, more effective screening has helped some people to find their lung cancer earlier when it’s easier to treat and survive, but the disease remains the #1 cancer killer in Nevada by far.

“Last year, only about 1.4% of eligible Nevadans were screened, which means we have an enormous opportunity to help so many more people take control of their health,” said Dr. Tim Hamilton, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. “The chance of surviving lung cancer more than doubles when it’s found in the earliest stage. Eligible people are ages 50-80, 20 pack years or more, active smoker or quit within 15 years.  Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for screening should talk to their healthcare provider about getting screened and ask for a referral.”

“Screening for cancers, especially for those that are high risk or genetically disposed, is something all Nevadans should keep in mind when thinking about their health,” said Lisa Santwer, executive director of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada. “A cancer diagnosis is scary, but identifying cancer early increases the ability for successful treatment and in many cases eradicate it fully. We proudly welcome those who participate on National Lung Cancer Screening Day and encourage those who are at higher risk to get out and get screened.”

Annual lung cancer screening with LDCT has been recommended since 2013 for those at increased risk of lung cancer, replacing the less effective chest x-ray as the preferred method for screening. It’s a relatively new recommendation, however, as compared to other cancer screenings such as the Pap test, colonoscopy, or mammogram, which were recommended screening methods starting in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, respectively.

People ages 50-80 with at least a 20-year pack history of smoking, who currently smoke or who have quit within the past 15 years, are eligible to be screened. A pack year is one pack of cigarettes a day for a year, so 20 pack years would be a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

Learn more about where to get screened for National Lung Cancer Screening Day at https://www.nevadacancercoalition.org/lung.

Details for Southern Nevada locations:

• Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway
  • Open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • To schedule an appointment, call the Sunrise centralized scheduling number at 855-445-2246. Additionally, physician offices have the direct fax number to fax a referral.

• Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada at 3730 S. Eastern Ave.
  • Open 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Referrals are scheduled through Dr. Vishisht Mehta and the Lung Team.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident, a man in his 80s. Reports of respiratory and influenza-like illnesses locally remain minimal in the community; however, seasonal flu activity is increasing. To date, 17 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported in Clark County.

“Our condolences go out to this individual’s family and friends,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Flu can cause serious illness, especially among older adults, children and others at higher risk. Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and help prevent severe complications. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.”\

Flu season typically peaks between December and February, but activity can continue through May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Adults 65 years and older, children younger than 2 years old, pregnant people, and individuals with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Caregivers of children who are too young to be vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect them.

Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada.

The Health District encourages community members to take additional steps to help reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw tissues away after use.
• Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Take antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor.

The Health District Influenza Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group is available each week at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/influenza-surveillance/.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.