Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center has achieved redesignation as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level I trauma center. The Medical Center was originally designated as a state Level I trauma center by the Georgia Department of Public Health in 1998. In 2016, it was nationally verified by ACS.

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center is central and south Georgia’s only adult Level I trauma center and one of only five adult Level I trauma centers in Georgia.

“Achieving redesignation as a Level I trauma center is a reflection of our team’s continued commitment to providing excellent health care for Georgia’s most critically injured patients,” said Atrium Health Navicent President Delvecchio Finley. “By exceeding the highest standards set for redesignation, patients can trust that our team is prepared not just to treat their injury, but to also address the full spectrum of their needs.”

ACS is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 and is dedicated to improving the care of surgical patients and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Committee on Trauma’s (COT’s) Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants 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.

In 2016, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center became the only adult Level I trauma center in the state to receive this national verification by the American College of Surgeons. Currently, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center is one of only 184 ACS-verified adult Level I trauma centers in the United States.

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center’s Level I trauma team, comprised of numerous surgeons in various specialties as well as highly-trained and specialized clinicians, is available 24 hours per day to provide the most sophisticated level of care for trauma patients. In addition, as an adult Level I trauma center, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center participates in research and provides training for future surgeons through residency and fellowship programs.

“The trauma team at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center seeks to be the best, and to obtain the highest level of achievement, ensuring our patients receive the best care,” said Dr. Dennis Ashley, director of Trauma for Atrium Health Navient The Medical Center, Will C. Sealy endowed chair and professor of surgery for Mercer University School of Medicine and Georgia Trauma Commission chair. “Our achieving redesignation as an adult Level I trauma center is a tremendous benefit for patients across our 22-county primary coverage area and beyond.”