Mission Hospital earns Level I trauma verification by American College of Surgeons
Asheville, NC — Mission Hospital is proud to announce it has been verified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level I trauma center, the highest recognition for trauma services in the United States. With this achievement, Mission becomes the only ACS-verified Level I trauma center to serve Western North Carolina, solidifying its role as the region’s most advanced option for emergency and critical care.
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS Committee on Trauma in its current manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. Mission completed the rigorous ACS survey in September and earned verification for a three-year period.
“This verification not only signifies Mission Hospital’s critical role in delivering timely, coordinated care, it solidifies Mission’s high standard of readiness,” Greg Lowe, president of Mission Health, said. “When the unthinkable happens, families across Western North Carolina can take comfort in knowing that world-class trauma care is right here at home. This milestone reflects the dedication, training and compassion of every Mission team member.”
This verification recognizes Mission Hospital’s capability to provide care for every aspect of injury, supported by around-the-clock surgical specialists, advanced technologies and coordinated partnerships with emergency services across the region.
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals to evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center’s resources and performance. A team of trauma experts completes a site review of the hospital. The team assesses relevant components of the program including their regional role(s), the availability of physical and health human resources, policies, patient care protocols and the hospital’s quality improvement processes. Of note, patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers.
“Receiving Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” Dr. William Shillinglaw, medical director of trauma services at Mission Hospital, said. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina to provide the highest level of trauma care - from rapid, lifesaving interventions to ongoing research, education and community injury prevention. I could not be prouder of each person at Mission, all of whom contributed to this accomplishment.”
Now celebrating its 30th year, Mission Health established its trauma program in 1995 as a Level II center. It is now the only ACS-verified Level I trauma center in the 18-County region of Western North Carolina and one of only seven in the state.