Level 1 Trauma Center Verification Renewed

DETROIT – Henry Ford Hospital’s verification as a Level 1 trauma center for its expertise in providing high-quality trauma care was renewed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

The verification means Henry Ford is equipped to handle the most critically injured patients, and has met high standards for trauma care, education and research. A Level 1 verification from the ACS is the highest national recognition a trauma center can receive.

Henry Ford is one of four Level 1 trauma centers in metro Detroit.

“This national distinction is a reflection of the specialized care and expertise of our physicians, nurses and staff in a multitude of specialty areas,” says Pat Patton Jr., M.D., vice chair of the Department of Surgery and division head of Acute Care Surgery. “We’re committed to providing our patients the best chance of recovery after their injuries.”

“Level 1 verification is recognition that Henry Ford Hospital meets or exceeds an extensive array of standards for delivering the safest, highest quality and most effective trauma care to our patients and community,” says John Deledda, M.D., chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Henry Ford has been verified a Level 1 trauma center since 1995.

To receive Level 1 verification, a hospital must meet rigorous criteria defined by the ACS in areas of its emergency department facilities, operating room facilities, intensive care units and 24-hour in-house coverage by emergency room physicians and trauma surgeons, and prompt availability of care in numerous specialties, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, radiology, thoracic surgery and critical care.

A Level 1 trauma center also provides leadership in prevention, public education and continuing education of its trauma team, and conducts research to develop new innovations in trauma care.

Trauma centers are verified as Levels 1 through 4 by the ACS’s Committee on Trauma (COT), with Level 1 centers providing the highest and most comprehensive level of care. Level 1 trauma centers also tend to be teaching hospitals.

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons founded in 1913 on the basic principle of improving care of the surgical patient and raising the standards of surgical education and practice.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the COT’s Verification/Consultation Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers that provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process.

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CONTACT:
David Olejarz
David.Olejarz@hfhs.org
(313) 874-4094