April 29, 2009 Media contact: Margarita Bauza
E-mail: mbauza@med.umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-2220

Mott Pediatric Trauma Program receives level 1 re-verification

Mott’s Level 1 pediatric trauma program is one of 23 programs in North America

Learn more:
U-M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

Download images

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has been re-verified as a pediatric Level 1 trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

The three-year verification recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide the best care for the most severely injured children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mott Hospital's Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Program is one of only 23 programs of its kind in North America and three in Michigan. The hospital’s trauma program was re-verified without any weaknesses or deficiencies, which is highly unusual and a testament to the care and quality of the program.

“The re-verification recognizes the high standard of care provided to injured children at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and is a reflection of the dedication of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals,” says Peter F. Ehrlich M.D, MSc, director of the Pediatric Trauma Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

As a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Program, Mott is also involved in injury prevention activities, research and education.

To become verified, the Pediatric Trauma Program was required to meet criteria outlined in the Committee on Trauma's Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient to ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance. Leadership in research, education, outreach/prevention and system planning is also required to prove its status.

The Mott Pediatric Trauma Program offers specialized care, services, equipment and staff who are trained to treat serious trauma injuries. Its capabilities also include 24-hour in-house coverage by pediatric surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and radiology.

The Committee on Trauma’s Verification/Consultation Program was established in 1987 by the American College of Surgeons. It promotes the development of trauma centers to provide hospital resources necessary for trauma care and the entire spectrum of care from pre-hospitalization to rehabilitation to address the needs of all injured patients.

The ACS Committee on Trauma does not designate trauma centers. Rather, the program provides a confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to provide the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. The actual establishment and the designation of trauma centers is the function of local, regional or state health care agencies, such as the local emergency medical services authority.

The U-M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital is one of the nation's leading pediatric institutions. It has consistently ranked as one of the Best Children’s Hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report, and has been cited as a “best in class” hospital by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals. This year, it was ranked 18th of the country’s top 25 hospitals by Parents magazine in 2009.