Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) has been reverified as a Level I pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The Level 1 verification, which is the highest national trauma recognition, will last through December of 2024. This achievement honors ACH’s dedication to providing best-in-class care for injured patients from the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process and marks the third time the program has been reverified. ACH is the state’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center.
“Continuing to achieve verified Level 1 trauma status demonstrates Arkansas Children’s Hospital offers the most excellent standard of care for injured patients,” said Marcy Doderer, FACHE, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s. “This verification also highlights the tremendous work of many teams who deliver unparalleled care, giving children every chance to recover and reach their full potential.”
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. To qualify for reverification, Arkansas Children’s Hospital voluntarily participated in ACS’ rigorous process, which included an on-site review with external trauma care experts.
Verified hospitals must provide a full spectrum of care to address needs of injured patients, including access to:
• Trauma surgeons and emergency medicine specialists, including pediatric surgeons, available 24/7.
• Operating rooms that are equipped and ready at all times.
• Neurosurgical and neurological care for severely injured patients.
• Orthopedic care for severely injured patients.
• A pediatric intensive care unit capable of addressing the special needs of children requiring critical care.
• In-hospital anesthesiologists.