An estimated 87,000 fewer patients died in hospitals and nearly $20 billion in healthcare costs were saved as a result of a reduction in hospital-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported today.

Preliminary estimates show that, in total, hospital patients experienced 2.1 million fewer hospital-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2014, a 17 percent decline over that period. This aligns with HHS’ aim to encourage better care, smarter spending and healthier people, and it coincides with hospitals’ nationwide participation in Partnership for Patients.

"Patients in America’s hospitals are safer today as a result of this partnership with hospitals and health care providers," said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. "The Affordable Care Act has given us tools to build a better health care system that protects patients, improves quality, and makes the most of our health care dollars."

Today’s data represents demonstrable progress over a four-year period to improve patient safety in the hospital setting. As these improvements hold steady, their impact is accumulating over time as evidenced by today's reported four-year totals.

NJHA and its Health Research and Educational Trust led HHS’ Partnership for Patients effort in the Garden State as a hospital engagement network. In New Jersey, hospitals working under the Partnership for Patients project averted 13,730 cases of patient harm and achieved $120 million in healthcare cost savings over the project’s initial three years.

"As healthcare grows in complexity, it’s important to focus on the heart of what we do – and that is caring for our patients and keeping them safe," said NJHA President and CEO Betsy Ryan. "We are thrilled with these results because they represent real lives positively impacted by the focus and commitment of our hospital teams. Reduced cost for our healthcare system is icing on the cake."