The number of one-star Veterans Affairs hospitals nationwide dropped from 14 to nine during the past year, according to USA Today.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released its annual end-of-year hospital star rankings for fiscal year 2018 on Oct. 3.
According to an analysis of the data by USA Today, five VA hospitals received a one-star ranking for the third consecutive year. Overall, 40 hospitals dropped in rankings by one or more stars, while 68 hospitals received the same rating as last year. Thirty-eight hospitals improved their star rating for fiscal year 2018.
"With closer monitoring and increased medical center leadership and support, we have seen solid improvements at most of our facilities," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in the news release. "Even our highest performing facilities are getting better, and that is driving up our quality standards across the country."
The agency began publicly releasing star ranking data for 146 of its hospitals after USA Today obtained and published data related to the fiscal year 2016 rankings, the report states.
To access the full report, click here.