Grady receives Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons, becoming Atlanta's only Level 1 Trauma Center to achieve this coveted status

The verification process is voluntary, and confirms that a hospital has demonstrated its ability to provide all necessary resources for trauma care for all injured patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week meeting the national guidelines set by the American College of Surgeons. Level I status is the highest level of recognition and verifies that in addition to providing all of the necessary services, it also has a training program and actively conducts research on trauma. For Grady, which is one of the highest volume trauma centers in the nation, seeing more than 7,100 trauma patients in 2016, attaining this gold standard recognition reaffirms its position as a leading public academic healthcare system in the country.   

"Verified trauma centers must meet the high standards set by the ACS for trauma care capabilities and institutional performance. Our success at achieving verification validates what we have known for some time – Grady's trauma care is second to none," said Dr. Peter Rhee, Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director for Grady's Marcus Trauma Center.  "As a nationally-recognized ACS Level I trauma center, our patients and families know we provide the highest levels of care."

ACS is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. ACS is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.  In order to attain this official verification status, Grady submitted itself to an intensive review conducted by an external team of trauma care experts. Grady staff, from administrative to clinical, supported the process.

"Verification embodies the spirit of the tireless work that is performed daily at Grady to take care of trauma patients, and represents tremendous effort by the entire hospital staff to achieve this national accreditation," said Dr. Bryan Morse, Associate Trauma Medical Director.    

Grady's trauma services were thoroughly evaluated using ACS guidelines, where more than 200 standards related to trauma resources, care processes, and continuous performance improvement were met. 

"It was not enough for us to be designated a Level I Trauma Center. Seeking verification from a national body and attaining it adds a standard of excellence for trauma care so there is no question about it, we are equipped and ready for any kind of trauma that enters our doors," said Liz Atkins, Trauma Program Director.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest safety net health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed emergency medical services, Grady has the premier Level I trauma center in the Metro Atlanta region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. Grady's American Burn Association/American College of Surgeons verified Burn Center is one of only two in the state. And the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is a Joint Commission designated Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Other key services/distinctions include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center with its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Georgia's first Cancer Center for Excellence, The Avon Comprehensive Breast Center, the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Ponce de Leon Center - one of the top HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country. Grady is one of an elite group of hospitals to earn the Baby-Friendly USA international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility. In 2017, Grady earned the prestigious Stage 7 on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, becoming Georgia's first adult acute care hospital to earn the highest rating for improving patient care and safety through health information technology.

SOURCE Grady Health System