Reid Health receives verification from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma

July 11, 2025 -- Reid Health has been reverified as a Level III trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT), a designation first earned by the health system in 2017.

Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT.

Patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers.

"This accomplishment is a testament to the ongoing dedication, clinical excellence, and teamwork demonstrated by our physicians, nurses, EMS partners, and support staff," said Ryan Williams, Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services for Reid Health.

"Reverification means we continue to meet -- and exceed -- the rigorous national standards for trauma care. For the patients and communities we serve, this translates to timely, expert, and coordinated care when it matters most."

There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that speak to the important roles of the center in serving its community. These standards clarify the care that must be available to the injured patient at the facility, along with other expectations related to research and educational contributions to advance the field and to ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future.

The ACS Trauma Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals to evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center's resources and performance.

A team of trauma experts completes a site review of the hospital, assessing relevant components of the program including:

• Its regional role(s)
• Availability of physical and health human resources
• Policies
• Patient care protocols
• Quality improvement processes

Importantly, the ACS doesn't designate trauma centers. Instead, it verifies compliance with the standards listed in the ACS COT manual. A facility earns the title of "designated trauma center" when it meets the requirements of government or other authorizing entities.

"This accomplishment is a testament to the ongoing dedication, clinical excellence, and teamwork demonstrated by our physicians, nurses, EMS partners, and support staff. Reverification means we continue to meet -- and exceed -- the rigorous national standards for trauma care. For the patients and communities we serve, this translates to timely, expert, and coordinated care when it matters most." -- Ryan Williams, Reid Health Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services

As an ACS-verified trauma center, Reid also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital's dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step.

The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know Reid is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards.

"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience, and participation is an important measure of a hospital's surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Reid Health has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

Trauma centers interested in becoming verified can find more information on the ACS website.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.