(Greenwood, S.C., September 14, 2018) The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has verified Self Regional Healthcare as a Level 3 Trauma Center, making them the first Level 3 facility verified by the ACS in the state of South of Carolina.

Jeffrey Thomas, M.D., and Sharon Turner, BSN, RN

Jeffrey Thomas, M.D., and Sharon Turner, BSN, RN

Different levels identify Trauma Centers across the U.S. two ways – A designation from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and verification from the ACS.  The levels, 1, 2, 3 and 4, refer to the resources available in each trauma center, community health and education initiatives and the number of patients admitted yearly.

Team members of the Self Regional Healthcare Emergency Care Center

Team members of the Self
Regional Healthcare Emergency Care Center gather to celebrate Level 3
verification by the American College of Surgeons

A Level 3 Trauma Center demonstrates the ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations. Level 3 Trauma Centers provide services such as 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists, incorporates comprehensive quality assessment programs, has developed transfer agreements with higher level of care facilities, provides back up care for rural hospitals, offers continued education for trauma staff and actively participates in prevention efforts within the community.

Team members of the Self Regional Healthcare Emergency Care Center

Team members of the Self
Regional Healthcare Emergency Care Center gather to celebrate Level 3
verification by the American College of Surgeons

Sharon Turner, BSN, RN, Trauma Nurse Coordinator for Self Regional Healthcare said, “It means a great deal to our organization to be the first in the state to receive this verification from the ACS. There are so many team members and groups involved in this achievement from our trauma programs all the way to rehabilitation that work with such dedication and helped us meet these criteria. We are also the first level 3-Trauma Center in South Carolina to obtain this verification on the first attempt with zero deficiencies, which is very rare. We are so proud.”

To learn more about Trauma Centers near you, go to www.scdhec.gov and to learn more about Self Regional Healthcare providers and services visit www.selfregional.org.