Cooper University Health Care has received reverification as a Level I Trauma Center and a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee (VRC), an ad hoc committee of the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Cooper, one of only three state-designated Level I trauma centers, celebrated its 130th anniversary this year and has been serving South Jersey as the state-designated Level I trauma center for 35 years. Each year, Cooper treats nearly 3,000 trauma patients, making it one of the busiest trauma centers in the state and region.
“We are extremely proud of the live-saving work our trauma team does each and every day,” said Adrienne Kirby, PhD, FACHE, President and CEO at Cooper University Health Care. “Having the American College of Surgeons reissue its verification of Cooper’s trauma program validates our advanced capabilities and the dedication of our trauma team in providing the highest level of care to those who are seriously injured across South Jersey.”
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Consultation/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. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual.
“Our trauma center wouldn’t be where it is today, or have received the success it has, if it wasn’t for the expertise and hard work of our entire team, including physicians, surgeons, technicians, nurses, and support staff,” said John M. Porter, MD, Head of the Division of Trauma Surgery, and Director of the Center of Trauma Services. “Every day we are focused on treating and saving the lives of critically ill or injured patients. We hope that people never need to use our trauma services, but they can rest assured that if they are brought to Cooper they will receive the best care available.”
The ACS Committee on Trauma’s verification program does not designate trauma centers. Rather, the program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. The actual establishment and the designation of trauma centers is the function of the New Jersey Department of Health and they were present for the ACS review, thus giving Cooper full state designation.