December 6, 2007

American College of Surgeons Reverifies Mercy as Level II Trauma Center

The Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has reverified the Mercy Trauma Center as a Level II trauma center, the highest-level trauma care facility in the Siouxland area.

Above and beyond Mercy’s official designation by the State of Iowa as a regional Level II trauma center, successful reverification by the Committee on Trauma “recognizes the hospital’s continued dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients,” according to the ACS. 

Mercy first achieved ACS verification in 1998.

“Mercy’s continued verification by the American College of Surgeons attests to the outstanding commitment of our physician partners, nurses and hospital staff,” said Paul Dougherty, president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center.  “They are a dedicated, highly skilled team that demonstrates on a daily basis that Mercy has the resources, programs, and commitment to offer trauma patients extraordinary care.”

“ACS verification is rigorous.  Thirty-five percent of the hospitals that apply for reverification fail to meet the stringent standards set forth.  Even in many larger cities, you won’t find a trauma center verified by the ACS,” Dougherty added.

Mercy’s reverification follows a site visit in August by ACS surgeon reviewers, who said they were very impressed with the quality of care and the overall commitment to trauma care by Mercy ‘s staff and physicians.

After an exhaustive review of patient records, quality improvement records, and interviews with several physicians and staff, the reviewers recommended to the ACS Committee on Trauma that it grant Mercy reverification.  The meticulous review of Mercy’s trauma program revealed no deficiencies.  As a result, the hospital’s Level II status has been extended for another three years.

“We commend Mercy Medical Center for its demonstrated commitment to provide superior trauma care,” said Dr. Frank L. Mitchell, III, chair of the Verification Review Committee for the ACS Committee on Trauma. 

The visiting ACS reviewers cited the commitment of its medical staff, facilities, and education and outreach efforts among Mercy’s strengths as a trauma center.

In order to earn Level II trauma distinction, a hospital must show proof of a 24-hour-a-day commitment by the medical staff, including trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons.

Mercy’s Level II trauma center also makes readily available numerous other clinical resources, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmic, maxillofacial, and plastic surgery, pediatrics, and radiological specialties, among others.

Mercy Trauma Center also maintains a leadership role in trauma prevention and the continuing education of trauma team members.

Dr. Michael Wolpert, a general surgeon in practice with General Surgery and Diagnostics PC in Dakota Dunes and the medical director of the Mercy Trauma Center, said a verified Level II trauma center offers a significantly higher level of care.

“The Mercy Trauma Center has a broad base of support from trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and others,” Wolpert explained.  “Nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and other health professionals at Mercy have special training in adult and pediatric trauma care, and their work experience in a genuine trauma center gives them skills and capabilities that are unequaled in the area.”

“It is also important to note that we never close.  Yet we sustain an advanced level of care and have the same guaranteed, fast response time from surgeons, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Wolpert added.

Mercy’s Level II trauma reverification by the ACS is good news for Siouxland residents, according to Dougherty.

“Dozens of U.S. trauma centers have closed in the last few years,” he said.  “More and more hospitals find it increasingly difficult to allocate the resources and necessary staffing to provide trauma care.  The provision of genuine trauma care also requires a significant commitment on the part of physicians, who make themselves available—day and night.” 

“For the sake of Siouxland residents and visitors, we are proud to say that we are not only sustaining a regional trauma center, but we’re offering trauma care of exceptional quality, as confirmed by our continued ACS verification,” Dougherty added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 35% of U.S. trauma patients who die do so because optimal acute care is not available.  Despite strong evidence that trauma centers save lives, existing trauma systems serve only about one-fourth of the U.S. population.

In tandem with its regional trauma center, Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City also operates Mercy Air Care (MAC), the only air ambulance service in the area.  Founded in 1987, MAC has made more than 8,500 patient transport flights to date, all without accident. 

Dr. Joseph Liewer serves as medical director for Mercy’s Emergency Department.   Dr. Thomas Benzoni is medical director for Mercy Air Care.  Tammy Scollard, RN, BSN, is the trauma program manager at Mercy.  Becky Walters is Mercy’s trauma registrar.  Mary Chwirka is the program’s EMS outreach coordinator.  Jody Boyd, RN, was also instrumental in Mercy’s reverification review.