St. Elizabeth Hospital Reverified as Level I Trauma Center

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has been reverified as an Adult Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

The certification recognizes devotion to optimal care for critically injured patients, Mercy Health said in a statement. The verification extends St. Elizabeth’s trauma center status through 2022. 

“Providing the highest level of expert trauma care is something we couldn’t be prouder of,” said Kathy Harley, president of St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. “Having this level of care moments off Interstate 80 is invaluable to those both living in the Valley and those passing through.”

The Committee on Trauma was established by the ACS to help improve all phases of care of injured patients. Verified trauma centers must meet the strict criteria that ensures quality of trauma patient care and institutional performance.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has had the trauma designation since 1995. The verification process includes an on-site review of the hospital with five categories in the verification program, from the pre-hospital phase to rehabilitation.

According to the ACS, Level I trauma centers are capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury, including prevention. This is done by 24-hour in-house coverage by trauma surgeons and various specialties such as orthopedic, neurosurgery and anesthesiology. 

“The reviewers recognized the strengths of our hospital and team that exceeds that of nationally recognized centers,” said Dr. Brian Gruber, medical director of trauma and surgical critical care at Mercy Health. “The reverification is a testament to the ministry’s commitment to provide trauma care to whoever needs us most.” 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.