Queen’s Receives Verification from American College of Surgeons as Only Level I Trauma Center in Pacific
HONOLULU – The Queen’s Medical Center (Queen’s) has been verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) which defines the national standard for quality in care of the injured patient.
The verification process is intense and comprehensive, scrutinizing commitment and performance throughout the entire institution. Level I Trauma Centers provide the highest level of patient care across the injury continuum from prevention through rehabilitation.
Queen’s is now the first and only Level I Trauma Center in Hawaii and the Pacific.
The Queen’s Punchbowl Emergency Department and Trauma Center, the busiest in the State, has been an invaluable public health resource since trauma and injury were recognized as a disease in the 1970s. Initially verified by the ACS as a Level II Trauma Center in 1998, quality care for the severely injured patient has long been part of the Queen’s identity. This recent elevation to Level I status is reflective of the hospital’s lead role in the State Trauma System, its Medical Staff commitment, investment in education and research, and mission.
“The Queen’s Medical Center is honored to obtain a Level I verification status,” said Art Ushijima, President of The Queen’s Medical Center. “No one expects a crisis and when seconds count, Queen’s is prepared to provide comprehensive care for every aspect of injury with advanced life-saving technology and the highest level of clinical services provided. Like law enforcement, the fire department, and U.S. military personnel, the surgeons, physicians and staff of The Queen’s Medical Center are prepared to save a life at a moment’s notice.”
The Queen’s Emergency Department and Trauma Center averages 190 visits daily, and more than 65,000 emergency and 2,600 trauma visits annually.
“The entire Queen’s family and State of Hawaii can share in this proud and remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Michael Hayashi, Trauma Medical Director of The Queen’s Medical Center. “Trauma is a team sport; I’m grateful for the help of numerous friends and colleagues whose tireless work made this possible. The support of our Administration and Board of Trustees was as essential as the collaborative efforts and personal sacrifice of everyone who cares for injured patients in their time of greatest need. For friends and neighbors, this verification provides validation that the care received at Queen’s meets the highest standards of the ACS. It is imperative that we all continue to work together to maintain this Level I status as we fulfill our responsibility to the people of Hawaii.”
