JPS leaders are proud to announce that the health network has been re-verified by the American College of Trauma Surgeons Committee on Trauma as a Level I Trauma Center.
It’s the third time the designation has been renewed since JPS was originally named a Level I Trauma Center in 2009. The designation lasts until Nov. 17, 2021.
“The re-verification of JPS as a Level I Trauma Center means that we continue to lead Tarrant County and surrounding areas in the field of trauma care,” JPS Executive Director of Trauma Services Carrie Hecht explained. “This means our patients receive the best care here.”
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the College of Trauma Surgeons’ Consultation and 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 from the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.
Dr. Rajesh Gandhi said health network team members work hard to earn the Level I designation.
"As (JPS President and CEO) Mr. (Robert) Earley points out, JPS is basically a one stop shop for Trauma," said Ghandi. Due to the resources and commitment required from the Board of Managers, Administration, Medical Staff and the entire JPS Team, currently, we are the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Tarrant County."
It’s a rigorous re-verification process, according to Hecht.
“Four surveyors spend two days with us to review patient care, interview staff and tour JPS,” Hecht said. “They, and then the Committee on Trauma, verify JPS is meeting all 344 criteria to be a Level I Trauma Center.”
There are nearly 1,700 trauma centers across the United States. But only about 200 of them are Level I centers, according to the American College of Trauma Surgeons.
Hecht said the designation as the go-to hospital in Tarrant County for trauma patients is something that all JPS team members should be proud about.
“The Trauma Center is all of JPS,” Hecht said. “Within our walls, trauma care is delivered by each and every one of us.”