ST. LOUIS, MO - The trauma center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has been verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). A Level I trauma center delivers the highest level of care for those with traumatic injuries.
“This designation is an incredible recognition for our services, acknowledging that SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital provides the highest level of trauma care for our patients,” says Brandie Tieken, Director of Emergency Services. “Our team works diligently to ensure every child receives exceptional care. With this verification, we are now one of two hospitals in the region that are identified as verified pediatric trauma centers.”
There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards representing the crucial roles of the center in serving its community. These standards clarify the services that must be available to at the facility, along with other research and education expectations to advance the field and ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future.
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center’s resources and performance. Patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers.
Notably, the ACS does not designate trauma centers. Instead, it verifies compliance with Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient standards. A facility earns the title of “designated trauma center” when it meets the requirements of the government or other authorizing entities.
As an ACS-verified trauma center, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is dedicated to quality and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.
Trauma centers interested in becoming verified can find more information on the ACS website.
About SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Since 1956, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has offered the highest level of care as the country’s only free-standing, non-profit Catholic pediatric hospital. Located in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provides hope to thousands of children with complex conditions from Missouri, Illinois and beyond. A member of SSM Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the county, the 195-bed teaching hospital is staffed by SLUCare physicians affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Since 2013, U.S. News & World Report has recognized SSM Health Cardinal Glennon as a Best Children's Hospital.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
