Children’s Hospital New Orleans earns Level II Pediatric Trauma Center Verification from the American College of Surgeons, Serving as a Leader for Pediatric Traumas in Louisiana
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The verification makes Children’s the first and only Pediatric Trauma Center in Greater New Orleans.
NEW ORLEANS – In February, Children’s Hospital New Orleans received verification from the American College of Surgeons as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, making it the only verified Pediatric Trauma Center serving Greater New Orleans, and one of only three in Louisiana.
Louisiana hospitals must successfully complete the trauma center verification process of the American College of Surgeons to be recognized as a state-issued trauma center. The multi-year review process includes a rigorous evaluation in more than 300 standards, of which Children’s Hospital New Orleans had zero deficiencies.
“This is a remarkable achievement for our hospital, the many team members who helped make trauma verification possible, and most importantly for our community,” said Lou Fragoso, President and Chief Executive Officer for Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “Investing in trauma services is one more way we are continuing to stand in the gap for all children and families who rely on our expert, and often life-saving pediatric care.”
The American College of Surgeons Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program is designed to assist hospitals in the evaluation and improvement of trauma care and provide objective, external review of institutional capability and performance. These functions are accomplished by an on-site review of the hospital by a peer review team who is experienced in the field of trauma care, and assesses commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care, performance improvement, and other relevant features.
“Our journey to becoming a verified Level II Trauma Center began in 2016, and since then has required a significant commitment in time, resources, personnel and infrastructure,” said Dr. David Yu, Trauma Medical Director for Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “The life-saving care that is now delivered by our Trauma Center team will positively impact the lives of children and adolescents in our community, 24/7.”
As Louisiana’s first and largest freestanding children’s hospital, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has delivered expert healthcare for children across Louisiana and the Gulf South for more than 65 years. With a recently completed $300 million campus transformation, Children’s Hospital provides the highest level of pediatric care in the State, backed by more than 600 pediatric-trained providers and specialists.
The recent campus expansion included an all new, expanded Emergency Department with two dedicated trauma bays with immediate access to state of the art surgical facilities, including 12 new operating rooms. Learn more about Children’s Hospital’s Trauma Center and Emergency Services online at www.chnola.org.
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About Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Diamondhead, MS. Children’s offers primary care services at 12 convenient locations and remotely via its Virtual Care for Kids program. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Tulane Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, and Tulane Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at chnola.org
