News

May 2, 2017

Good Samaritan Medical Center Designated Level III Trauma Center

Hospital Becomes First and Only Trauma Center in the Region
 
Good Samaritan Medical Center announced it has been verified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level III Trauma Center and has received state designation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Human Services Department of Public Health (DPH).  Good Samaritan Medical Center is the first and only Hospital in Region V to receive this designation. Region V is home to 78 EMS provider services over 71 cities and towns and represents more than 1.2 million residents.
 
“We are extremely proud to be the region’s first and only Level III Trauma Center,” said John A. Jurczyk, FACHE, president of Good Samaritan Medical Center. “When making the decision to aim for this designation we knew we could not achieve this on our own.  This is the result of continued and sustained investment by Good Samaritan Medical Center and Steward Health Care to continue on the path of being the regional premier choice for residents in the communities we serve.”
 
The designation was awarded after the medical center displayed its commitment to quality patient care, readiness, available resources, sound policies, and performance improvement, according to the requirements of the American College of Surgeons. As a Level III Trauma Center, Good Samaritan demonstrated its ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care, and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations.
 
“With our partners in care, Good Samaritan Medical Center and the surrounding communities has an incredible team to count on when it comes to medical emergencies,” said Dr. Richard Paulson, MD, Medical Director of the Trauma Program. “Emergency responders are on the front lines every day. It is the strength, experience, and professionalism of the emergency personnel we collaborate with and our own staff, which gave us the expertise and confidence to move forward.”
 
According to Dr. Paulson, “Now, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders and dispatchers will have a local option in Good Samaritan Medical Center that is well equipped to handle the needs of trauma patients with high quality.”
 
Dr. Tenny Thomas, Chief Medical Officer and an Emergency Department physician commented that, “In addition to the exceptional trauma personnel in the field and at Good Samaritan Medical Center, we are able to deliver life-saving trauma care that includes highly skilled orthopedic, thoracic, and general surgeons, along with experienced anesthesiologists and radiologists.  We are also the only American Heart Association designated Mission: Lifeline cardiac care team in the area.”
 
As listed on the American Trauma Society’s website, a Level III Trauma Center:
• Provides 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists;
• Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program;
• Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center;
• Provides back-up care for rural and community hospitals;
• Offers continued education of the nursing and allied health personnel or the trauma team; and
• Maintains involvement with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities.
 
“This designation is a reflection of our medical staff’s commitment to provide timely services with improved access to life-saving measures for trauma patients,” said Paulson. “We are equipped to provide a high level of emergency patient care and our ultimate goal is to save lives and improve patient outcomes. We are devoted to providing the best care possible for patients and their families during a critical time.”
 
Twenty-four hour medical coverage is necessary for trauma patients, as time-critical trauma conditions require quick assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to reduce the risk of preventable complications or death. Physicians of numerous disciplines must be available 24 hours per day to provide optimal care for injured patients. The trauma care team at Good Samaritan Medical Center includes emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, anesthesiologists and anesthesia nurses, respiratory therapists, and radiologists. 
 
In the United States, trauma continues to be a leading cause of death for all age groups. However, trauma centers have been shown to reduce the risk of death caused by severe injuries by approximately 25%. “As the first and only designated Level III Trauma Center from Stoughton to the South Coast, Good Samarian Medical Center has displayed incredible dedication and focus,” said Jurczyk.  “We have the resources and expertise to provide the advanced level of care needed for trauma patients, keeping families and local resources close to home.”