John Peter Smith Hospital Re-verified as a Level II Trauma Center
JPS was the first trauma center in Tarrant County to receive a Level II verification and now continues that dedication by achieving re-verification. Although verification as a trauma center is a voluntary process, it is another way that JPS demonstrates its' commitment to ensuring that our patients have the best chance for recovery following their injuries.
The trauma team consists of board certified emergency physicians, surgeons, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists and radiologists, as well as dedicated trauma nurses and outstanding critical care nurses. Our team provides exceptional care to approximately 27,000 injured patients per year.
Trauma can occur at any time, place, and to anyone. Trauma is the leading cause of death among Texans 1 to 44 years old (CDC, 2004). Trauma care has been proven to be a vital service because critically injured patients require definitive care within a short period of time to prevent death or disability per a Texas based Trauma physician, Luis Fernandez MD, FACS, Assistant clinical professor of surgery and family medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center (2004). Our staff provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the care of the trauma patient. A team of trauma nurse clinicians work closely with patients, their families and physicians to assure that the best possible care is provided to every patient. JPS Trauma Center provides quality trauma care 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Trauma nurse clinicians coordinate patient care from the time of admission to discharge, a strong trauma registry and performance improvement program as well as professional and public education opportunities work hand in hand to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with trauma in the Ft. Worth area.
JPS Health Network primarily services the residents of Tarrant County, 898 square miles with an estimated population of 1.4 million people. In addition, JPS is responsible as a tertiary referral center for the western counties of Trauma Service Area E that encompasses 6924 square miles with an estimated population of 841,365 and includes Cooke, Wise, Denton, Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Hood, Somervell, and Johnson counties.
Trauma Center Statistics
In 2004, 9,129 trauma patients were evaluated in the JPS emergency department. Of those patients, 1,627 were admitted to the hospital. Motor vehicle crashes have accounted for the largest percentage of trauma admissions throughout 2004.
Giving back to the community
The trauma staff at JPS takes great strides to make contributions to the community and trauma region in a number of ways.
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control [website]. Retrieved July 23, 2004, from http://www.cdc.gov
Fernandez, L. (2004). Trauma Centers: An Essential Public Health Service. Orthopedic Technology Review. 6(5). Retrieved September 22, 2005, from http://www.orthopedictechreview.com