(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The trauma center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has received a three-year re-verification as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT). This achievement in re-verification recognizes Nationwide Children’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured pediatric patients.
“Re-verification as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by the ACS recognizes our continuing commitment to the highest level of care for injured children in Central Ohio and the surrounding areas,” said Rajan Thakkar, MD, FACS, Trauma Medical Director. “Our promise to maintain our trauma center status is consistent with our mission to provide the best outcomes for all children”
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation Program helps hospitals evaluate and improve their trauma care by providing not only the hospital resources necessary for care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum of care encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation phase. Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT in its current manual.
There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by standards that outline the center’s role in serving its community. These standards clarify the care that must be available to the injured patient at the facility, along with other expectations related to research and education contributions to advance the field and to ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future. Level 1 verification confirms that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.
Collaboration across the organization and community healthcare partners helped the hospital achieve the 12th consecutive re-verification, trauma program leaders say. This dedication underscores the ongoing commitment to the community in pursuit of best outcomes for injured pediatric patients.
“Our trauma program’s success is truly a reflection of collaboration across every discipline – from prehospital partners to emergency medicine, critical care, rehabilitation and beyond,” said Lee Ann Wurster MS, RN, CPNP-PC, TCRN, trauma program manager at Nationwide Children’s. “Each team member plays an essential role in ensuring every child receives the highest quality, evidence-based care. This re-verification is a testament to that shared commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”