For the fourth consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been named to Leapfrog’s annual list of Top Hospitals — one of 21 hospitals in California to receive its Top Urban Hospital designation and one of only a few consistently recognized for the past four years. The only other UC medical center named to Leapfrog’s 2015 list of Top Hospitals is UC Irvine Medical Center.

The annual selection, announced Dec. 2, is based on the results of The Leapfrog Group’s annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals’ performance on patient safety and quality, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use and management structures established to prevent errors.

Top Hospitals also must have earned an “A” from Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Score, which grades hospitals twice a year based on expert analysis of infections, injuries and medical errors. UC Davis received “A” ratings during Leapfrog’s last five reporting periods in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

“Leapfrog’s Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions any hospital can achieve in the United States,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Top Hospitals have lower infection rates, better outcomes, decreased length of stay and fewer readmissions. By achieving Top Hospital status, UC Davis has proven it prioritizes the safety of its patients, is committed to transparency and provides exemplary care for families and patients.”

Deadline extended for UC transfer applications

Students hoping to transfer to a University of California campus next fall will have more time to apply, as the deadline to file applications to transfer for fall 2016 has been extended to Jan. 4.

The previous deadline was Nov. 30

The extension comes amid projected growth of 10,000 undergraduates over the next three years – 5,000 of them next year – under a major effort to boost UC’s enrollment of California students.

“The University of California proudly enrolls more community college transfer students than any other university of its caliber,” said UC President Janet Napolitano. “Giving transfer students more time to file their applications will help hard-working, eligible students across the state make their way to a UC campus next fall.”

The application extension is the latest in a series of efforts to aid transfer students. In July, UC rolled out Transfer Pathways, an academic roadmap that has simplified the transfer process for California Community College students as they prepare to apply to UC campuses.

Nearly one in three UC students start at a community college before graduating from the University of California. The university is committed to a goal of enrolling at least one new transfer student for every two new freshmen.

Staff Assembly Cookie Bake-Off

Like to bake cookies? Like to taste cookies? Then this contest is for you: the Staff Assembly Cookie Bake-Off.

“The holidays are upon us and what better way to get in the spirit of the season than by sharing your favorite cookie recipe and perhaps winning first place,” organizers said.

Staff Assembly announced this first-time event in last week’s Staff Voice, putting out the official call for bakers and tasters.

The contest is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the multipurpose room at the Student Community Center. The judges’ top pick will net the baker a $50 Target gift card, and there will also be prizes for second and third place. The people's choice prize is a $50 Nordstrom’s gift card.

Bakers will check in at 11 a.m., bringing 27 cookies (three for judging and 24 for tasting. Staff Assembly is looking for up to 40 bakers to showcase their cookies: homemade with flour (any type), baked (no-bake cookies not allowed), any style (drop, rolled, etc.).

Now, for the tasters among us: “If you love cookies and would like to help select the people’s choice winner, please join us,” organizers said. You must be registered to participate as space is limited.

Bakers register here, tasters register here. Deadline for both: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. More information (including the all-important rules). Questions? Send an email to Lina Layiktez, Staff Assembly events chair.

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