Sunnybrook verified as Level 1 trauma centre by American College of Surgeons

Sunnybrook is the first hospital outside of the U.S. to achieve this standard

By Laura Bristow

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Tory Trauma Program has joined an elite class of trauma centres. After a journey that began in 2019, the Program has been officially verified (accredited) as a Level 1 trauma centre by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and also earned the honour of becoming the first hospital outside of the United States to achieve this mark of excellence.

“We are thrilled to be the first ACS-verified Level 1 trauma centre outside of the U.S.,” says Dr. Avery Nathens, Surgeon-in-Chief, Sunnybrook. “The standards put forth by the ACS reflect expectations required to deliver the highest quality of trauma care and our success reflects Sunnybrook’s outstanding ability to care for trauma patients, as well as our dedication to the highest quality of care, research, prevention, and leadership across the trauma system.”

Obtaining trauma centre Level 1 verification by the ACS is a demanding and rigorous process rooted in 350 evidence-based standards that must be met. Sunnybrook had to demonstrate excellence in all aspects of trauma care, with an emphasis on patient safety, quality, performance improvement, research and education.

“I could not be more proud of Team Sunnybrook in this moment,” says Andy Smith, President & CEO, Sunnybrook. “This is a historic achievement in the Canadian trauma community and highlights our role not only as a strong leader in Ontario’s Trauma and Critical Care system, but in Canada. Our pursuit of ACS verification has undoubtedly made Sunnybrook’s trauma care better than ever and that is a standard our patients and province can rely on in their time of need.”

As an ACS-verified Level 1 trauma centre, Sunnybrook has proven it provides trauma care for every aspect of injury – from prevention through rehabilitation.

The reviewers highlighted many strengths in their report, and at the core of them all were the individuals and high performing teams that make Sunnybrook the amazing trauma centre it is. Sunnybrook acknowledges and is grateful for the philanthropic support that has played an important role in the continued achievement and advancement of the Tory Trauma Program.

“This achievement could not have been accomplished without intense collaboration across Sunnybrook and with our external partners, including Ornge and our local paramedic services,” says Corey Freedman, Manager, Trauma Services. “Trauma care touches almost every aspect of the Hospital, and this honour is shared with everyone who worked so hard to make this verification happen.”

Sunnybrook is the largest trauma centre in Canada. It opened in 1976 and over the years, the need for care has grown. The Level 1 ACS verification validates its progress and achievements over the years, and also equips the Hospital to meet the challenges of the future while continuing to be there for patients today, when it matters most. ■

Laura Bristow is a Communications Advisor, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.