Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Receives Reverification from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma
Remains only Level I trauma center in the region
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 14, 2024 – Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center has again been verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, also known as ACS COT. The F.H. Sammy Ross, Jr. Trauma Center is the only Level I trauma center in the region, providing the highest level of comprehensive care 24/7 for patients who are severely injured, critically ill or suffering from any other type of traumatic injury, since 1985.
Verified Level I trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capabilities and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT in its current manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient.
“Although we prefer patients remain healthy and out of the trauma center, we are here around the clock ready for whatever catastrophic injury might come through our doors,” said Dr. Michael Gibbs, clinical professor and chair of the emergency department at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. “Receiving this verification is one more example of how Atrium Health is committed to our community and committed to providing high-quality, individualized care when people are feeling their worst.”
The ACS COT said patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared to patients in non-verified centers.
“This reverification is a testament to the dedication our teammates give day in and day out to every patient who comes through our doors,” said Dr. Britt Christmas, chief of trauma and trauma medical director at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. “It is our privilege to care for the community, often at their darkest hour. We are committed to delivering the highest level of care our patients deserve.”
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review, and Consultation Program helps hospitals to evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center’s resources and performance, and a complete site review of the hospital. The team assesses relevant components of the program including their regional role, policies, patient care protocols and the hospital’s quality improvement processes.
"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality,” said Patricia L. Turner, ACS executive director & chief executive officer. “As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Atrium Health has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement."
As an ACS-verified trauma center, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know Atrium Health is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing nearly $3 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits in 2023.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.