The Medical Center, Navicent Health (MCNH) is pleased to announce it has achieved reverification as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level I trauma center. MCNH was originally designated as a state Level I trauma center by the Georgia Department of Public Health in 1998. In 2016, Navicent was nationally verified by ACS. MCNH is the only Level I trauma center serving central and south Georgia, and only one of 24 hospitals in the Southeast to achieve this additional, national recognition.
 
“The trauma team at The Medical Center, Navicent Health voluntarily sought reverification from the American College of Surgeons, for the benefit of our patients and their loved ones. We have gone beyond the standard requirements for Level I trauma centers to exceed the highest standards set forth by this national certification body. At The Medical Center, Navicent Health, our trauma team seeks to be the best and to obtain the highest level of achievement, ensuring our patients receive the highest level of care,” said Dennis W. Ashley, MD, Director of Trauma  for MCNH.
 
ACS 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. ACS is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient 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. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.
 
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual. In 2016, MCNH became the only Level I trauma center in the state to receive this verification.  Currently, MCNH is one of only two adult Level I trauma centers verified by the ACS in Georgia. and is currently one of only 178 ACS-verified Level I trauma centers in the United States.
 
“Our team went the extra mile to achieve reverification as an ACS verified Level I trauma center, for the benefit of those who rely on us for care in their greatest time of need. Patients who rely on The Medical Center, Navicent Health for care receive the most comprehensive and all-inclusive care for their injuries. This verification confirms our patients can trust that we are exceeding the standards in order to provide the highest levels of care,” said Ninfa M. Saunders, DHA, President and CEO of Navicent Health.
 
The state of Georgia classifies trauma centers on a scale of Levels I-IV, dependent on the level of care provided. Level I trauma centers provide the most comprehensive care.  Of 185 hospitals in Georgia, only 32 are designated trauma centers.
 
MCNH’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 and able to provide the most sophisticated level of care for trauma patients. In addition, as a Level I trauma center, MCNH leads the field in research and provides training for future surgeons through residency and fellowship programs.
 
Other levels of trauma centers, while providing basic trauma care and stabilization, do not provide many of the specialties to address the most complex trauma cases, nor do they participate in research and education, as the Level I trauma center at MCNH does.
 
“Across the nation, Level I trauma centers are typically in large, metropolitan areas. The availability of care provided at The Medical Center, Navicent Health is very rare in smaller communities like Macon. Patients in central and south Georgia are incredibly fortunate to have access to the nationally recognized Level I trauma services provided close to home when accidents and injuries occur,” said Tom Oliver, MD, Chief Medical Officer for The Medical Center, Navicent Health.