Trauma center at SLU Hospital verified as Level 1 Trauma Center by ACSCOT

The trauma center at Saint Louis University Hospital has been verified as a Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT). This achievement nationally recognizes the trauma center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. The verification makes the SLU Hospital trauma center the first dual state certified and America College of Surgeons' verified Level I trauma center in the region, with the hospital holding Level I trauma certifications in both the states of Missouri and Illinois.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the ACSCOT'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 pre-hospital 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.

Already the only hospital certified as a Level I trauma center by both the states of Missouri and Illinois, SLU Hospital made the decision to apply for ACS accreditation based on the criteria for quality and positive clinical outcomes. "A third-party review of any of our programs from an expert source solely focused on providing the highest possible clinical care is not only our wish, but also our responsibility," says Crystal Haynes, CEO. "Saint Louis University Hospital's ongoing mission includes caring for the most critically ill and injured patients from throughout our region and we will continue to do so at the highest possible quality standards."

The ACS Committee on Trauma's verification program does not designate trauma centers. Rather, the program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. The actual establishment and the designation of trauma centers is the function of local, regional, or state health care systems agencies, such as the local emergency medical services (EMS) authority.

Each hospital has an on-site review by a team of experienced site reviewers, who use the current Resources for the Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual as a guideline in conducting the survey.