Last week, the American College of Surgeons officially verified Manning Family Children’s Hospital as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The hospital is the first of its kind in the Gulf South to receive this title, and, with it, takes on a role of regional leadership as a resource and primary referral center for some of the most complex cases in Louisiana.
What does being a “Level I” Pediatric Trama Center mean?
As a Level I center, Manning Family Children’s Hospital provides 24/7, in-house care with immediate access to pediatric surgeons and subspecialists. In addition, as a freestanding children’s hospital, all equipment and staff specialize exclusively in children-centered care.
Beyond treating pediatric patients, the hospital actively leads trauma education, training, and outreach for communities and healthcare professionals across Louisiana.
“In addition to delivering comprehensive, around-the-clock care for our most seriously injured children, Level I Trauma Centers are responsible for advancing pediatric trauma care across the state and region,” said Dr. David Yu, Trauma Program Medical Director and incoming Chief Medical Officer for Manning Family Children’s in a statement released by the hospital. “As an expert resource and regional referral center, our team offers comprehensive, highly specialized, multi-disciplinary trauma care from prevention to rehabilitation.”
What does this mean for parents and children?
An experienced trauma care peer review team conducted an on-site evaluation of the hospital, noting its commitment, readiness, resources, policies, partient care, performance, and other key factors that contribute to its Level I qualification.
“Manning Family Children’s is committed to ensuring that nationally leading pediatric care for anything a child might need is available close to home, including those in need of lifesaving trauma care,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO for Manning Family Children’s in the hospital statement.