Cooper University Hospital has been verified as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), announced Adrienne Kirby, PhD, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cooper University Health Care. Cooper is the first hospital in South Jersey and the second among the New Jersey’s Level I trauma centers to achieve this verification.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest level of care and the most advanced life-saving measures for children as well as adults in need of trauma care and to saving lives,” said Kirby. “When it comes to the most serious injuries, access to comprehensive pediatric expertise is critical. This verification recognizes Cooper’s pediatric expertise and immediate, 24/7 access to specialists who can provide the most appropriate care for the best outcomes.”
Cooper voluntarily sought the verification, which included an on-site survey of the hospital and a review of 229 American College of Surgeons’ standards.
Cooper is the only hospital in the Delaware Valley that provides trauma care for both adults and children. Each year, Cooper treats nearly 3,000 patients, making it one of the busiest trauma centers in the state. Nearly 15 percent of those treated are children that are severely injured in motor vehicle crashes, falls, accidents and acts of violence.
“Our number of pediatric cases has steadily increased over the years, and from 2013 to 2014 we saw over an 11 percent increase,” said Nicole M. Fox, MD, MPH, FACS, Medical Director of Pediatric Trauma. “Having met the American College of Surgeons rigorous verification process validates our expertise and provides reassurance to the community that we can keep families together if the need for trauma care arises.”
The Trauma Center at Cooper was established in 1982 and is one of only three New Jersey State-Designated Level I Trauma Centers verified by the American College of Surgeons, the highest national recognition possible. Cooper serves as the regional Trauma Center for southern New Jersey including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Ocean and Salem counties and acts as a resource for the Level II Trauma Centers in our region. The Trauma Center has medical experts from every field including surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, anesthesia and cardiology.
In 2014, the Cooper Trauma Center hosted its first “Celebration of Life” in honor of pediatric trauma survivors, which reunited patients and their families with the expert team that helped save their lives.
“We are excited to host our second celebration in September 2015,” said Stacey Staman, RN, MSN, CCRN, Pediatric Trauma Program Coordinator.
Media contact:
Wendy A. Marano
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
Office: 856.382.6463
Mobile: 856-904-1688