MarinHealth Medical Center Receives Designation for Trauma Center

The Trauma Center at MarinHealth Medical Center’s Emergency Department has been verified as a Level III Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee (VRC), an ad hoc committee of the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

“This achievement recognizes our Trauma Center’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients as MarinHealth continues to provide Marin residents with life-saving emergency care close to their homes,” said Andrew Apolinarski, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at MarinHealth Medical Center.

Designation as a Level III Trauma Center means community members have 24/7 access to a complete team that includes board-certified emergency and trauma physicians, other specialists, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, physician assistants, emergency technicians and support staff.

In addition to the critical services provided by its Level III Trauma Center, the Emergency Department at MarinHealth Medical Center offers comprehensive services, including life-saving care for major injuries, emergency spine and brain surgery, award-winning care for heart attack and stroke, and an “Ouchless ED” that incorporates child-friendly protocols to help reduce the anxiety and pain for those children who visit the Emergency Department.

The verification program provides confirmation that MarinHealth’s Trauma Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest-quality trauma care. Established by the ACS in 1987, the COT’s 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.

“Each hospital goes through an on-site review by a team of experienced site reviewers, who reference the current ‘Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient’ manual as a guideline in conducting the survey,” explained Apolinarski. “We’re incredibly proud of the work and dedication of our entire ED and Trauma Center team, ensuring our community that we retain this vital resource here in Marin County.”