American College Of Surgeons Recognizes Mission Hospital As A Level I Trauma Center
Today, Mission Hospital announced that the American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified that the Hospital is a Level I trauma center, the highest recognition for trauma services in the United States. This achievement means that Mission is the only ACS-verified Level I trauma center serving Western North Carolina.
The American College of Surgeons verification requires that institutions perform at the highest levels and ensures a robust trauma care capability. The verification process recognizes Mission Hospital’s ability to address every aspect of injury, supported by around-the-clock surgical specialty, advanced technology and coordinated partnership with emergency services across the region.
“This verification not only signifies Mission Hospital’s critical role in delivering timely, coordinated care, it solidifies Mission’s high standard of readiness,” said Greg Lowe, President of Mission Health. “When the unthinkable happens, families across Western North Carolina can take comfort in knowing that world-class trauma care is right here at home. This milestone reflects the dedication, training and compassion of every Mission team member.”
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals evaluate and improve their trauma care. This program provides an objective, external review of the trauma center’s resources and performance. An independent team of trauma specialists completed an on-site review of the hospital. The team assessed the hospital’s regional rules, the availability of physical and health human resources, policies, patient care protocols, and the hospital’s quality improvement process.
“Receiving Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Dr. William Shillinglaw, Medical Director of Trauma Services at Mission Hospital. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina to provide the highest level of trauma care - from rapid, lifesaving interventions to ongoing research, education and community injury prevention. I could not be prouder of each person at Mission, all of whom contributed to this accomplishment.”
Misson Hospital first established its trauma program in 1995 as a Level II center. It is now the only ACS-verified Level I trauma center in 18-County region of Western North Carolina and only one of seven in North Carolina.
At the same time this thorough, independent evaluation process was being conducted by the American College of Surgeons was being complete, Mission Hospital received an immediate jeopardy designation from the Center from Medicare and Medicaid Services. At the time, Mission Hospital CEO, Greg Lowe, raised concerns about outside groups having undue influence in the state regulators’ process. In about a month, the “Immediate Jeopardy” status was removed after a visit from regulators confirmed the issues had been resolved. In contrast, Raleigh’s Holly Hill hospital received an immediate jeopardy status and has not resolved the issues months later, with years of complaints about patient safety. The quick response from federal regulators and the independent verification from the American College of Surgeons casts deep doubts about the veracity of the “immediate jeopardy” designation issued this October.
