On August 12, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center held a special ceremony to mark the major achievement of receiving a deficiency-free score following an intensive trauma verification and review process conducted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
According to the ACS, each assessment is based on “commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care, performance improvement, and other relevant features of the program as outlined in Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient.”
The American College of Surgeon’s verification affirmed the hospital’s ability to provide first-rate care to trauma patients of all levels. “ACS standards require a hospital to have the best of the best in critical care,” explained Trauma Medical Director; Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin.
While validation from accredited organizations such as the American College of Surgeons is very important to the hospital’s leadership and staff, the experiences of patients are as equally valued. Each year the trauma team treats over 1,700 patients and on countless occasions has saved the lives of many.
One of the many patients treated includes New York City Police Officer Kenneth Healey, who attended the verification ceremony and was happy to attest to Jamaica Hospital trauma team’s high level of performance and commitment to positive patient outcomes.
Healey shared his testimony with several news outlets as to how the trauma team saved his life. “I feel lucky to be standing in front of you today,” the Officer told reporters. “I had all my needs met and it’s all thanks to the doctors and nurses that were by my side.” In 2014, Officer Healey was viciously attacked and struck in the head while on duty; he was rushed to Jamaica Hospital where he received life-saving care. During the ceremony, Healey reunited with the team that treated him, this included surgeon, Dr. Harrison Mu.
Jamaica Hospital has been providing trauma care since 1985 and over the years has developed a reputation for experience and expertise in the field. The hospital is a destination of choice for doctors to train and is actively engaged in trauma research to enhance patient outcomes.
The trauma division’s initiatives also include community outreach, implementing educational programs and embracing plans such as Vision Zero, to help in the prevention of trauma-related injuries and death.
Jamaica Hospital is proud to continue to serve the community and as demonstrated by the recent ACS verification, continue to save lives every day, even under the most extreme circumstances.
Overall, the Trauma Verification ceremony was a tremendous success and has been covered by several news outlets, here are a few:
NY1
New York Daily News
Queens Chronicle