ANMC hospital receives 3-year reverification as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center
May 13, 2019
The Alaska Native Medical Center was recently reverified as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee (VRC), an ad hoc committee of the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes ANMC’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured pediatric patients.
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the COT’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 prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.
“Our team is very excited to be able to provide the highest level of trauma care for children in Alaska. Holding status as a pediatric center allows us to focus on pediatric issues related to trauma care,” said Dr. Elisha Brownson, ANMC Trauma Medical Director. “We helped develop guidelines for the care of children with head injuries, a common injury in Alaska due to ATV, sports injuries, and motor vehicle crashes. This allows us to provide excellent pediatric care and avoid unnecessary transfers of injured children out of the state.”
ANMC offers a wide range of pediatric trauma care services and admits between 100-125 pediatric trauma patients each year. ANMC provides specialty care for pediatric burn patients, which allows many children who would otherwise have to travel to Seattle the ability to be treated right here at home. Care for the seriously injured child is supported by all medical and surgical specialties at ANMC, as well as our incredible staff of pediatric therapists, child life specialists, nurses, and other staff dedicated to providing the highest quality pediatric care available in Alaska.
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual.
An on-site review of ANMC was conducted by a team of reviewers experienced in the field of trauma. Using the current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual as a guideline, the team determined that ANMC met the criteria as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center; this verification will continue for a period of three years.
In addition to the verification as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, ANMC is also recognized as a Comprehensive Pediatric Emergency Center, the highest certification in the Pediatric Facility Recognition Program, since 2015. This recognition means that ANMC provides the highest quality pediatric care in Alaska and ensures our hospital is appropriately prepared for the emergency care of children.
Together, these two recognitions ensure ANMC provides the highest-quality emergency and trauma care for Alaska’s youngest patients.