The Gist: Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville has been recently verified as a Level I trauma center, making it one of five state-designated Level I trauma centers in Georgia and the fourth nationally-verified Level I trauma center in the state.
Why It Matters: Patients north of Atlanta can now be assured of receiving the highest level of trauma care as soon as they need it, with the hospital’s new designation as a Level I trauma center. This means that the hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive trauma care for all injuries.
What is a Trauma I Center?: According to the American College of Surgeons, verified Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries. The big differences between a Level II and a Level I trauma center include a robust academic research component and having the range of surgical subspecialists to be able to care for the most complex of injuries.
More Information: Verified Level I centers also have an important role working with first responders and other agencies to develop a local trauma system and regional disaster planning. Jesse Gibson, trauma program director at the hospital, said verified Level I trauma centers are considered the “gold standard” across the nation. To learn more about the trauma program at NGMC, visit nghs.com/trauma.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
