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Morristown Medical Center Receives Verification from the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Trauma Center

September 26, 2014

Morristown, NJ – Morristown Medical Center has been verified as a Level I Trauma Center through 2017 by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes Morristown Medical Center’s dedication to providing superior care for injured patients.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process.

“No one can plan for an emergency but when it does happen, Morristown’s level of expertise provides the most comprehensive, life-saving, state-of-the-art treatment,” said Louis DiFazio, MD, director, Surgical Critical Care/Trauma, Morristown Medical Center. In addition to being verified as an American College of Surgeons Level I Trauma Center, Morristown Medical Center’s newly renovated and expanded Emergency Department is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the state of New Jersey. The Trauma Center is supported by the Atlantic Helicopter program to ensure rapid access to all patients in northwestern NJ. The modernized Trauma department offers rooms with rapid access to diagnostic radiology, interventional procedures, and surgical services. In addition to trauma, Morristown Medical Center's Emergency Department handles complex orthopedic cases, advanced care for cardiac patients, and comprehensive stroke and concussion care for acute neurological trauma and mild traumatic brain injuries.

“Being re-verified as a Level 1 trauma center is a great honor and testament to our physicians’ and staff’s dedication,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing officer and chief experience officer for Morristown Medical Center.”“This verification continues to solidify Morristown Medical Center’s role as a preeminent medical destination,” said Louis Brusco, MD, chief medical officer, Morristown Medical Center. The ACS Committee on Trauma’s verification program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.

View the list of currently verified trauma centers >

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College has over 72,000 members and it is the largest association of surgeons in the world.

About Morristown Medical Center

Morristown Medical Center, located in Morristown, NJ, is part of Atlantic Health System, one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey, which also includes Overlook Medical Center in Summit, Newton Medical Center, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains and Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Morristown Medical Center was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top hospital nationwide for cardiology & heart surgery, geriatrics, orthopedics and pulmonology. Morristown Medical Center also ranked as a “Best Regional Hospital” for gastroenterology & GI surgery, gynecology, nephrology, neurology & neurosurgery, and urology. The Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center encompasses the largest cardiovascular program in New Jersey, performing more than 1,500 heart surgeries annually, more than any other cardiovascular facility in the state. Morristown Medical Center is verified as a Level I Regional Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated a Level II by the state of New Jersey and was re-designated a Magnet Hospital for Excellence in Nursing Service, the highest level of recognition by American Nurses Credentialing Center for facilities that provide acute care services, a distinction awarded to less than five percent of U.S. hospitals. Learn more >