ACS re-verifies Saint Marys Hospital and Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital as Level 1 trauma centers

Saint Marys Hospital and Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital recently received re-verification as Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers, respectively, by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS verification recognizes Mayo Clinic’s dedication to providing the highest-quality trauma care for all injured patients. Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in Minnesota to receive verification as an independent level one pediatric trauma center.

“Trauma is the No. 1 cause of death of children, exceeding cancer and heart disease combined. Because of that, we think it’s really, really important to have a system in place to treat children who are injured”

“From the patient transport to their arrival at Mayo Clinic, we have a system in place to ensure the highest level of appropriate care for our trauma patients,” says Donald Jenkins, M.D., Mayo Clinic trauma surgeon. “Mayo Clinic has specialists ready to treat both adult and pediatric patients arriving here as trauma patients. As the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and one of only a handful in the state, Mayo is a resource for the entire region.”

“Trauma is the No. 1 cause of death of children, exceeding cancer and heart disease combined. Because of that, we think it’s really, really important to have a system in place to treat children who are injured,” says Christopher Moir, M.D., Mayo Clinic pediatric surgeon. “We at Mayo think it’s important to see the injured children, treat them appropriately, and get them right back to the business of a child, which is play, going to school and being with their families.”

Mayo’s excellence in trauma care reflects the extensive teamwork of multidisciplinary specialists within trauma units, as well as Saint Marys Hospital personnel who work in concert with the trauma teams. Mayo was commended for many aspects of its trauma care, including rapid transfers for patients from the emergency department to the next stage of care, its blood bank and laboratory support, staff expertise and qualifications, multidisciplinary commitment, integrated approach, and excellent radiological resources in accessing imaging for incoming patients, among others. The re-verifications also demonstrate Mayo’s breadth of trauma services that span the continuum of care — from prevention education to long-term rehabilitation support and expertise.