OHSU Doernbecher Receives Level 1 Verification From ACS

PORTLAND, OR - From Oregon Health & Science University: OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is now verified as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and a Level 1 Site for Children’s Surgery, according to the American College of Surgeons.

“This acknowledgment means that families can be assured that from the moment they walk through our doors, they will receive the highest-quality care, specifically designed to meet the needs of their child,” said Ken Azarow, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., interim chair of surgery and surgeon-in-chief, OHSU and OHSU Doernbecher.

To achieve Level 1 verification, OHSU Doernbecher had to meet the rigorous capability and performance guidelines set forth by the ACS for multidisciplinary, high-quality trauma and surgery care tailored to the needs of children of every age, size and diagnosis.

In addition to a pediatric emergency department staffed by trauma-verified physicians, nurses and ancillary staff, OHSU Doernbecher is home to the state’s sole children-only operating rooms. Here, physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists and their teams have specialized training in pediatric surgical care, and conduct nearly 9,000 procedures annually.

“These ACS verifications underscore OHSU Doernbecher’s dedication to improve the trauma, surgical and general health care of all children across Oregon and Southwest Washington,” said OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A. “To expand on this commitment and fulfill our responsibility as the region’s first children’s facility to obtain both verifications, we look forward to partnering with pediatric hospitals and health care providers across the region to help ensure that every child is able to receive the best care possible.”

About OHSU

OHSU is the only academic health center in Oregon and is nationally distinguished as a research university dedicated solely to advancing health sciences.

This singular purpose allows us to focus on discoveries that prevent and cure disease, on education that prepares physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals for the evolving health care environment, and on patient care that incorporates the latest advances.

Based in Portland, we are one of Oregon’s largest employers, operate the top-ranked adult and children’s hospitals in the state, and secure competitive research funding of more than $400 million.

As a public organization, we also provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

Photo courtesy of OHSU