UVM Medical Center receives reverification as a Level I Adult Trauma Center and a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center

BURLINGTON, VT – The American College of Surgeons has once again verified the University of Vermont Medical Center as a Level I Adult Trauma Center – the highest category for trauma services – as well as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

The UVM Medical Center is the only Level I Trauma Center in the state of Vermont, and is one of about 100 in the country. It has been designated a Level I Trauma Center since 1994.

"We are proud of our status as the state's only Level I Trauma Center and take seriously the responsibility to provide world-class care to our patients. Patients with critical care needs will receive the very best care at the University of Vermont Medical Center. We are thankful for this review conducted by the American College of Surgeons," said UVM Medical Center Interim President and COO Dr. Stephen Leffler.

The Level-I Adult and Level-II Pediatric Trauma Centers at UVM Medical Center were reviewed by the American College of Surgeons in early October. A team of three experienced surgeons performed an intensive review over a two day period and recommended the centers receive the full three-year verification.

Dr. Ajai Malhotra, division chief of acute care surgery at the UVM Medical Center, and Dr. Kennith Sartorelli, division chief of pediatric surgery at the UVM Medical Center, issued the following statement:

“The trauma centers at the UVM Medical Center are committed to providing the highest level of care to all of our populations – pediatric, adult and geriatric. We have a dedicated team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, radiology and blood bank technicians, along with a cadre of therapists to provide the multi-disciplinary care that the injured patient needs. Our results are at par or superior to other trauma centers around the country. We will continue to provide high-quality patient centered care in accordance with the wishes of the patient and family.”

The review team was complimentary of the support and commitment of the senior leadership at UVM Medical Center to the care of injured patients in Vermont and northern New York. Additionally, the review team highlighted many areas of strength in the programs, especially the quality of patient care, commitment to education and furthering knowledge through research initiatives.

Verified Level I Trauma Centers must meet certain standards, including:

• Providing expert care for every aspect of injury from pre-hospital care through rehabilitation
• Immediate access to a full range of specialists and equipment 24 hours a day
• Treatment areas and operating rooms reserved for trauma cases

Level I Trauma Centers also have research programs, are leaders in trauma education and injury prevention, and serve as a referral resource for the surrounding area. Hospitals in the UVM Health Network hold joint quality meetings and collaborate to improve care and reduce duplication of services.

Studies show that being treated at a Level I Trauma Center increases a seriously injured patient’s chances of survival by an estimated 20 to 25 percent. The UVM Medical Center admits about 1,400 trauma patients per year and works with partner hospitals in the UVM Health Network to ensure that patients in our region receive the highest level of care possible.

About the University of Vermont Medical Center

The University of Vermont Medical Center  is a 447-bed tertiary care regional referral center providing advanced care to approximately 1 million residents in Vermont and northern New York. Together with our partners at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, we are Vermont’s academic medical center. The University of Vermont Medical Center also serves as a community hospital for approximately 150,000 residents in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties. 

The University of Vermont Medical Center is a member of The University of Vermont Health Network, an integrated system established to deliver high quality academic medicine to every community we serve.

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