Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that it has been reverified as a Level 1 Trauma Center with zero deficiencies by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement marks the second consecutive survey in which the hospital has earned this prestigious status. Dr. Kenneth Fretwell, the hospital’s Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Interim Trauma Medical Director, stated, “This milestone is not just a recognition; it reflects a culture built on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.”
The ACS sets the national gold standard for trauma quality. There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that reflect the center’s important role in serving its community. Level 1 verification is the highest achievable level. Hospitals that qualify have met rigorous standards for trauma care and performed well in on-site inspections, reviews of patient outcomes, research, and evaluations of staff and protocols.
Furthermore, institutions such as Jamaica Hospital that have achieved zero deficiencies have far exceeded the required standard (with no corrections needed) and are operating at an exemplary level as leaders in trauma care. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our entire team — from physicians and nurses to support staff and leadership, who work tirelessly to provide lifesaving care,” said Lourdes Goldenberg, Assistant Vice President of Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Surgery and Trauma. An ACS surveyor also commented on the trauma team’s performance, saying, “Your efforts did not go unnoticed by the survey team. I can go on and on for an entire day about the many strengths of your program.”
As an ACS-verified trauma center, Jamaica Hospital is also recognized as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to continuously improving procedures and standards while maintaining a critical eye on processes at every stage.
Jamaica Hospital has a longstanding history as a high-performing Level 1 Trauma Center in its community. “For a long time, Jamaica Hospital has had the distinction of being the busiest trauma center in New York City. As a result of our second consecutive deficiency-free survey, we are also recognized among the best,” explained Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital.
For decades, the hospital has served as one of the busiest trauma centers in the country, caring for numerous patients from the local community and travelers from across the globe, due to its proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport and major highways. Jamaica Hospital is also a preferred Level 1 Trauma Center in Southeast Queens for New York City’s uniformed services. The center also operates one of the largest voluntary ambulance services in New York City’s 911 system.
Jamaica Hospital’s reverification as an ACS Level 1 Trauma Center underscores its commitment to providing optimal care for severely injured patients in critical situations and highlights the hospital’s high-performance standards. Goldenberg concluded, “Reverification affirms our adherence to the most rigorous clinical standards and our focus on continuous quality improvement, reflecting our mission to serve our community with excellence, compassion, and readiness.”