Marking the Hospital’s 25th Year
Morristown, New Jersey – July 21, 2021 Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center has been reverified as a Level I Trauma Center through 2024 by the Verification Review Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes Morristown Medical Center’s dedication to providing superior care for the most seriously injured patients. This marks the 25th year that the hospital has earned and sustained this prestigious recognition.
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the 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.
“No one wants to think about planning for a medical emergency or a life-threatening traumatic injury,” said Louis DiFazio, MD, director, Surgical Critical Care/Trauma, Morristown Medical Center. “But, when it does happen, Morristown’s level of expertise provides the most comprehensive, life-saving, state-of-the-art treatment.”
In addition to being verified as an American College of Surgeons Level I Trauma Center, Morristown Medical Center’s newly renovated and expanded Emergency Department is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the state of New Jersey. The Trauma Center is supported by the Atlantic Mobile Health’s Air and Ground Critical Care Transport teams to ensure rapid access to all patients in northwestern NJ. The modernized Trauma Department offers clinical bays with rapid access to diagnostic radiology, interventional procedures, and surgical services. In addition to trauma, Morristown Medical Center's Emergency Department handles complex orthopedic cases, advanced care for cardiac patients, and comprehensive stroke and concussion care for acute neurological trauma and mild traumatic brain injuries.
“This verification is a testament to the exemplary work and dedication to the highest level of care and underscores our reputation as the best hospital in the region for emergency and trauma care” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, President of Morristown Medical Center. “Among our extraordinary trauma team, we have subspecialty trained orthopedic trauma surgeons and neurosurgeons who are available 24/7/365 which is an incredible differentiator for our patients.”
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance. The ACS Committee on Trauma’s verification program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of more than 17,000 team members and 4,800 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 11 counties and 4.9 million people. The not-for-profit system offers more than 400 sites of care, including seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, and Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ.
Atlantic Medical Group, comprised of 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, represents one of the largest multi-specialty practices in New Jersey and joins Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners as part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 16 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of seven regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability and is a founding member of the PIER Consortium – Partners in Innovation, Education, and Research – a streamlined clinical trial system that will expand access to groundbreaking research across five health systems in the region.
Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.