VCU news

By Chris Landrum
VCU Communications and Public Relations

 

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center’s Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Surgery has received re-verification from the American College of Surgeons as a nationally recognized Level I trauma center.

This is the second time the VCU Medical Center has been awarded the verification from the ACS, which lasts for three years.

The recognition is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate their ability to provide the highest quality care for all injured patients, and the VCU Medical Center is the only health care provider in Central Virginia to receive the Level I trauma center designation.

“This is the highest level of verification trauma centers can receive and is a reflection of our dedication to providing exceptional performance in the care of the injured patients, and the educational and research aspects of trauma care,” said Rao Ivatury, M.D., chair of the Department of Surgery’s Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency General Surgery.

"We're continuing to maintain the highest standards of trauma care set forth by the American College of Surgeons."

The achievement recognizes the VCU Medical Center’s demonstrated excellence in patient care and exceptional competence in a wide array of specialties, including research and teaching.

The VCU Medical Center was the first hospital in Virginia to be recognized after the introduction of the state verification process in 1981. VCU Medical Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital are the only two nationally recognized Level I trauma centers in the state. Virginia recognizes five Level I trauma centers in the state, including the VCU Medical Center.

The ACS recognizes 49 Level I trauma centers around the country. The ACS’ verification process reviews the quality of care at each level, including pre-hospital, emergency department in-hospital and rehabilitation phases.

The American College of Surgeons 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.