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St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital earns first-time verification as a pediatric trauma center
St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, Idaho’s only children’s hospital, has been recognized for the first time as a Level 2 Pediatric Trauma care facility by the American College of Surgeons. The achievement recognizes St. Luke’s pediatric trauma center's dedication and delivery of excellence in caring for injured pediatric patients in Idaho.
To receive Level 2 pediatric trauma verification by the American College of Surgeons, a hospital must undergo rigorous review and meet hundreds of national requirements, ranging from around-the-clock availability of trauma team members and services to specialized care in the emergency department, operating room, pediatric and pediatric intensive care units. In addition, many other services are available to support ongoing healing and recovery through St. Luke’s pediatric rehabilitation program, social workers, injury prevention initiatives, and education.
The verification process by the American College of Surgeons was an intense two-day virtual visit to assess commitment, readiness, policies, patient care and performance improvement. St. Luke’s pursuit of the Level 2 pediatric trauma verification began in 2019 but was paused because of COVID-19 pandemic response demands. Since then, St. Luke’s has continued to train, review, improve, and care for hundreds of patients each year, leading to the recent verification.
“The receipt of this verification is a testament to the dedication and skill of St. Luke’s Children’s trauma team and the leading care they offer. We hope that Idaho children never need this type of care, but if ever they do, being able to receive exceptional trauma care closer to home is a tremendous benefit to our patients and their families. I am so proud of our team for achieving this nationally recognized verification and their commitment to caring for the youngest residents of our communities,” said Dr. Kenny Bramwell, system medical director for St. Luke’s Children’s.
In addition to meeting the demanding requirements to become verified by the American College of Surgeons, the verification represents a high level of cooperation between providers in the prehospital arena (i.e., before hospital care, such as Emergency Medical Services), the emergency department, operating room, admission, pediatrics, pediatric intensive care unit and supporting services and departments. St. Luke’s anticipates the new verification will reduce the number of transfers needed for infants and children with severe injuries to other facilities out of state.
Additionally, St. Luke’s Boise received pediatric trauma designation by the State of Idaho through the Time Sensitive Emergencies Council (TSE), a mandatory state designation that is based on the American College of Surgeon’s verification. Other TSE-designated trauma centers within St. Luke’s Health System include Magic Valley, Wood River, Meridian and McCall.This significant milestone was made possible by funds from the St.
Luke’s Health Foundation, which covered startup expenses, making the program
largely funded by philanthropy. The St. Luke’s Children’s Advisory Board, which
is responsible for fundraising at signature events like Kid For A Night and
Scramble for the Kids, played a pivotal role as a leading supporter.
About The Author
Christine Myron is the Treasure Valley public relations manager for St. Luke’s Health System.
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