Marin General Hospital’s Trauma Center Receives Level III Reverification from American College of Surgeons
Expanded Services for Patients Closer to Home
GREENBRAE, CA — Marin General Hospital was recently reverified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The action recognizes the hospital’s dedication to optimizing care for injured patients. Marin General Hospital’s high-functioning trauma program first received ACS distinction in 2000, and is the only hospital in Marin to do so. Marin General Hospital’s trauma experts have since become recognized in regional and statewide consortiums for trauma care – sharing best practices with other hospitals.
“We are happy to be recognized as Marin County’s premier trauma care provider. The Marin General Hospital team will continue to collaborate with Marin County Emergency Medical Services to provide Marin residents high-level care close to their homes,” said Meaghan Carroll, Trauma Program Manager at Marin General Hospital.
ACS was extremely impressed by the hospital’s high quality of trauma care, increased patient volume, and inter-departmental efficiencies. Marin General Hospital’s sophisticated trauma registry – managed by Susy Olson, ensures efficiency in the development of treatment protocols and improves multidisciplinary performance. All trauma centers participate in data aggregation at the local, state, and national levels - shaping public policy and providing the opportunity for Marin General Hospital to compare its services with regional and national benchmarks.
In addition to its impressive organizational efficiencies, ACS noted that Marin General Hospital functions at a higher level, similar to that of a Level II Trauma Center, due to its strong neurosurgery program. “The prehospital care, board certified emergency physicians, experienced emergency nurses, the entire ICU and other specially trained staff – integrate seamlessly to provide critical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All trauma surgeons are experienced in trauma surgery and many have received training in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS),” said Ed Alfrey, MD, Medical Director of the Trauma Program at Marin General Hospital. “Experienced trauma care is an important need for people of all ages in our community.”
Reviewers were also impressed by Marin General Hospital’s Injury prevention programs - including its “A Matter of Balance” workshops - an award-winning fall prevention program for older adults, “Stop the Bleed” Program offering free bleeding control training to medical and non-medical community members, and partnership with the CHP to offer START SMART teen driving and Age Well Drive Smart for older adult driving safety.
“With the hospital’s full array of emergency services, particularly in partnership with the UCSF Department of Neurosurgery, Marin residents of all ages can receive life-saving emergency care locally,” says Dr. Alfrey. “The first hour (the Golden Hour) after an injury or trauma is the most critical. Quick assessment and treatment can save lives and prevent permanent disability. Marin General Hospital has the system to provide exceptional trauma care right here in Marin.”
About the ACS Verification Process
The verification process, established in 1987 and conducted by the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT), is designed to promote the development of trauma centers that provide the full spectrum of care to address injured patient needs, from pre-hospitalization through rehabilitation.
The COT does not designate trauma centers, which in Marin County is the function of the Marin County Emergency Medical Service. Instead, the ACS verification program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest quality trauma care.
About The American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College has over 72,000 members and is the largest association of surgeons in the world. Longstanding achievements have placed the ACS in the forefront of American surgery and made it an important advocate for all surgical patients.
