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DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University Hospital has received
re-verification as a Level I Trauma Center from the American
College of Surgeons, certifying that Duke provides the highest
level of surgical care to trauma patients.

Level I status, the highest of three trauma center rankings,
indicates that Duke has medical specialists available in a
variety of areas 24 hours a day to treat trauma patients.

"We're pleased to have received re-verification as a Level I
Trauma Center," said Jeffrey Doucette, R.N., associate
operating officer for emergency services. "We strive to
consistently provide the highest quality of care to patients
who come to us with an assortment of injuries – both minor and
major – and are in need of urgent assistance."

To achieve national verification as a Level I Trauma Center
in North Carolina, a hospital must first receive a similar
designation from the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical
Services (EMS). Duke first received its designation as a Level
I Trauma Center from the North Carolina Office of EMS in
1982.

All Level I centers have surgeons and anesthesiologists on
duty 24 hours a day. They also maintain an educational program,
as well as preventive and outreach programs. Specialists in
certain areas, such as neurosurgery and radiology, are also
available quickly.

North Carolina has five additional Level I Trauma Centers,
including the University of North Carolina Hospital at Chapel
Hill, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center,
WFU Baptist Medical Center, and WakeMed Hospital.