The hospital standard mortality ratio (HSMR) is an important measurement that provides hospitals information that helps to identify areas for improvement. The HSMR is not designed for comparisons between hospitals. When tracked over time, the HSMR tells how successful the hospital is improving quality and patient safety and reducing deaths.

How the HSMR is calculated

The HSMR is calculated as a ratio of the actual number of deaths to the expected number of deaths among patients in the hospital. The HSMR is adjusted for factors affecting mortality such as age, sex and length of stay in the hospital.

How to interpret the HSMR
  • An HSMR equal to 100 suggests that there is no difference between the hospital's mortality rate and the overall average rate.
  • An HSMR greater than 100 suggests that the local mortality rate is higher than the overall average.
  • An HSMR less than 100 suggests that the local mortality rate is lower than the overall average.
The following outlines Grand River Hospital’s performance in recent years:
  • 2015/2016: 75- among the top ten hospitals in Canada
  • 2014/2015: 72- the fourth best in Canada
  • 2013/2014: 82- among the top ten hospitals in Canada
  • 2012/2013: 92
  • 2011/2012: 92
  • 2010/2011: 96