For the third consecutive review cycle, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has been verified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma.
The ACS ranked Monroe Carell as the third-busiest verified Level 1 pediatric trauma center in the United States.
As a comprehensive regional pediatric center and recognized as a leader in pediatric trauma care, Monroe Carell is the only verified Level 1 pediatric trauma center within 200 miles of Nashville. The achievement verifies the hospital’s ability to provide the highest level of care for injured pediatric patients in the region.
It is one of 87 children’s hospitals in the United States to have ACS Level 1 pediatric trauma center status and one of two pediatric trauma centers in Tennessee with verification.
“To once again achieve this status reinforces that we are providing the highest quality of care to critically injured children in the region,” said Harold Lovvorn, III, MD, professor of Pediatric Surgery and medical director of Pediatric Trauma at Monroe Carell. “And it provides an additional level of confidence among families that their children are in the best, most qualified hands. Our teams work incredibly hard across multiple specialties in a collaborative manner to deliver exceptional care to patients and families every single day.
“Achieving this recognition certifies that our teams have met the highest standards and expertise in caring for injured children.”
Since 2016, Monroe Carell has undergone the two-day verification review that awards Level 1 trauma status only after programs meet the 101 criteria outlined in the ACS guidelines.
Monroe Carell’s Pediatric Trauma service sees nearly 3,000 trauma cases annually, admitting about 1,200 patients for a wide range of injuries from all-terrain vehicle accidents, motor vehicle crashes, falls, gunshot wounds and bicycle accidents.
The reverification also highlighted two advantages the team offers — specialized expertise and advanced resources.
“Our center boasts a multidisciplinary team of experts equipped with specialized training to cater to the distinctive requirements of injured children,” said Amber Greeno, MSN, APRN, director of Trauma, Injury Prevention and Project ADAM at Monroe Carell. “Ranging from pediatric surgeons and nurses to child life specialists and social workers, these professionals collaborate to offer comprehensive care that addresses not just physical injuries but also the emotional and developmental needs of young patients.”
Greeno added that the Level 1 verification provides access to state-of-the-art technology, specialized equipment and innovative therapies crucial for treating intricate pediatric trauma cases. From cutting-edge operating rooms and diagnostic facilities to pediatric-focused rehabilitation services, these resources ensure that children receive top-tier care to enhance their recovery prospects.
Established by the ACS in 1987, the Committee on Trauma 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.
The ACS, the largest association of surgeons in the world, is a scientific and educational association of surgeons founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient.
