April 28, 2023
West Columbia, S.C. - The American College of Surgeons Verification Review Committee has recognized Lexington Medical Center as a Level III trauma center through October 27, 2025. This achievement acknowledges the hospital’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. Importantly, Lexington Medical Center’s written report noted “no deficiencies.”
Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Committee on Trauma’s Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide hospital resources necessary for trauma care, as well as the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients – from the pre-hospital phase through rehabilitation.
“The achievement of this highly sought-after certification required a true multi-disciplinary approach,” said Hugh Willcox, TMD. “And all the stakeholders engaged in trauma at Lexington Medical Center were totally committed -- from Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Critical Care, Anesthesia and HBIM.”
While local, regional or state health care system agencies designate trauma centers, 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. There are five verification categories in the COT program. The facility seeking that level of verification must meet each one. The hospital also has an on-site review by a team of experienced trauma surgeons who use the current Resources for the Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual as a guideline in conducting the survey.
“The Trauma Center verification process has truly been a team effort. We would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported our team throughout this journey,” said Angie Melvin, BSN, RN, Manager of Quality Management in Acute Care, Outcomes Coordinator for Trauma.
Lexington Health is a comprehensive network of care that includes six community medical and urgent care centers, nearly 80 physician practices, more than 9,000 health care professionals and Lexington Medical Center, a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. The hospital was ranked best hospital in the Columbia Metro by U.S. News & World Report, was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare, and was the first hospital in the state to achieve Magnet with Distinction status for excellence in nursing care. Lexington Health Cancer Center is an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence. The network includes a cardiovascular program recognized by the American College of Cardiology as South Carolina's first HeartCARE Center. The network also has an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, an Alzheimer's care center and nearly 80 physician practices. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries.
