Grady Receives Level 1 Verification From The American College Of Surgeons, Becoming Atlanta’s Only Level 1 Trauma Center To Achieve This Coveted Status
July 13, 2017
Grady Memorial Hospital’s Marcus Trauma Center has earned the highest national trauma center recognition — Level I Trauma Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Designated a Level I trauma center at the state level since 1987, Grady is now the first hospital verified as a Level I trauma center at the national level in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The trauma center in Macon is the other only ACS verified Level I trauma center in Georgia.
The verification process is voluntary, and confirms that a hospital has demonstrated its ability to provide all necessary resources for trauma care for all injured patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week meeting the national guidelines set by the American College of Surgeons. Level I status is the highest level of recognition and verifies that in addition to providing all of the necessary services, it also has a training program and actively conducts research on trauma. For Grady, which is one of the highest volume trauma centers in the nation, seeing more than 7,100 trauma patients in 2016, attaining this gold standard recognition reaffirms its position as a leading public academic healthcare system in the country.
“Verified trauma centers must meet the high standards set by the ACS for trauma care capabilities and institutional performance. Our success at achieving verification validates what we have known for some time – Grady’s trauma care is second to none,” said Dr. Peter Rhee, Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director for Grady’s Marcus Trauma Center. “As a nationally-recognized ACS Level I trauma center, our patients and families know we provide the highest levels of care.”
ACS is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. ACS is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment. In order to attain this official verification status, Grady submitted itself to an intensive review conducted by an external team of trauma care experts. Grady staff, from administrative to clinical, supported the process.
“Verification embodies the spirit of the tireless work that is performed daily at Grady to take care of trauma patients, and represents tremendous effort by the entire hospital staff to achieve this national accreditation,” said Dr. Bryan Morse, Associate Trauma Medical Director.
Grady’s trauma services were thoroughly evaluated using ACS guidelines, where more than 200 standards related to trauma resources, care processes, and continuous performance improvement were met.
“It was not enough for us to be designated a Level I Trauma Center. Seeking verification from a national body and attaining it adds a standard of excellence for trauma care so there is no question about it, we are equipped and ready for any kind of trauma that enters our doors,” said Liz Atkins, Trauma Program Director.
