August 04, 2003
Monday - 1:30 pm

Alaska's first and only Level II Trauma Center, the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in Anchorage, was re-verified July 15, 2003 as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma. Research in other states demonstrates that an organized and timely response to trauma, as outlined in the national standards, can improve patient care, reduce trauma death rates, and enhance staff confidence in treating traumatic injury victims.

"ANMC became a Level II trauma center in 1999 and continues to demonstrate its commitment and support of trauma care in Alaska," Dr. Frank Sacco, ANMC Chief of Trauma Services said. Because of its leadership and example, several other hospitals have expressed interest in trauma center certification. Within the past year, Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome and Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Hospital in Bethel were certified as Level IV Trauma Centers.

"Trauma centers are a key component in the development of a statewide trauma system," Joel Gilbertson, Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services (DHSS) Commissioner said. "A statewide system helps ensure ready access to care for all injured Alaskans, and we commend Alaska Native Medical Center for their leadership to improve trauma care in Alaska."

By statute, DHSS has adopted the ACS criteria for Trauma Centers. State certification requires an on-site evaluation by ACS for Levels I, II, or III. Under state regulations, Level IV verification requires a site visit review by a state sponsored medical team, based on ACS criteria. These trauma center site visits evaluate patient outcomes and stress institutional commitment to improving care. Level II Trauma Center is the highest level achievable in Alaska.

Source of News Release:

Alaska Department of Health & Human Services
Web Site

 

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