Raleigh, N.C. — In a recent study of Level I and Level II Trauma Centers completed by the National Foundation for Trauma Care, WakeMed Health & Hospitals was selected as one of five “Best Preparedness Practice” Hospitals in the United States.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the U.S. trauma centers’ preparedness for a community-based terrorist attack. The hospitals were selected by rank for having a practice in place to best respond to a mass casualty incident under several key preparedness components: Planning, Communication, Sustainability of Peak Operations, and Education and Training (emphasis on hazardous materials and decontamination).
Specifically, WakeMed was recognized for its plans to manage sudden patient surges and the impact on the Emergency Department and inpatient capacity. Initiatives in place to help WakeMed deal with surge capacity include: information technology solutions that help manage patient tracking; cross training of staff and departments not typically involved in disaster response and the creation of special operations task forces. WakeMed has also made significant investments in necessary supplies, equipment and training to manage surge capacity during disaster response.
“As Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center, WakeMed takes a very serious approach to disaster preparedness. In the event of a disaster in this region, WakeMed will always play a critical role in helping deliver and coordinate care and provide services to the citizens of the communities we serve,” explains Dr. Bill Atkinson, president & CEO. “We are proud to be recognized as a best practice center and believe this study will provide valuable information to health systems throughout the country that are interested in implementing best practices in disaster preparedness.”
The summary of this study has been published and is being sent to all Level I, II and II trauma centers, state EMS/trauma agencies, governors and selected national professional organizations throughout the county, and is expected to raise awareness of the importance of establishing best practices for disaster preparedness.
About WakeMed Health & Hospitals
WakeMed Health & Hospitals, one of the first hospital systems in the country, is a private, not-for-profit health care organization based in Raleigh, N.C. The 851-bed system comprises a network of health care facilities throughout Wake and Johnston Counties, including: a Level I Trauma Center and tertiary referral hospital and rehabilitation hospital in Raleigh, a community hospital in Cary, a comprehensive outpatient center and freestanding emergency department in North Raleigh, seven outpatient rehabilitation sites, two skilled-nursing and outpatient facilities, a 100+-physician multispecialty practice, and home health services. The system includes two accredited Chest Pain Centers and one JCAHO-certified Stroke Center. Throughout the system, there are an additional 118 beds under construction. WakeMed also provides management services for Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC. Centers of excellence include cardiac and vascular care, women’s and children’s services, physical rehab, emergency and trauma, orthopaedics, neurosciences, home care and numerous wellness and community outreach programs. WakeMed’s team of 7,000 nurses, technologists and medical support staff and more than 1,000 affiliated physicians serve the residents of North Carolina using the most advanced technologies and facilities to ensure the finest in health care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.