WILMINGTON, N.C. – The trauma center at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center has recently been verified as a level II trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. While New Hanover Regional Medical Center has had a level II trauma designation from the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS) since 1989, this additional verification achievement recognizes the trauma center’s continued dedication to provide optimal care for injured patients.
“New Hanover Regional Medical Center has a long and proud tradition of providing high-quality trauma care to patients in our community,” said Dr. Timothy Novosel, medical director, trauma services at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “This verification not only serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, but it also illustrates our unwavering commitment to provide the very best in lifesaving care services for our patients close to home.”
Established by the American College of Surgeons 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. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.
New Hanover Regional Medical Center provides access to the only level II trauma center in the southeastern coastal region of North Carolina. Novant Health AirLink helicopter medical transport program also supports timely care of trauma patients from across the region. Meanwhile, the hospital is one of only nine level I or II trauma centers in the state, and utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to treat more than 3,000 patients each year, which represents a 60% increase over the past five years.
According to the American Trauma Society, a level II trauma center is able to initiate definitive care for all injured patients as well as provide 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons. Level II trauma centers can also provide coverage from a variety of specialties including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care.
This achievement occured nearly a year after Novant Health and New Hanover Regional Medical Center celebrated the beginning of their new partnership. Together, the two North Carolina not-for-profit health systems have worked to improve access to high-quality care, innovative treatments and advanced technology for patients in southeast North Carolina.
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