Accreditation Canada has awarded Fraser Health’s regional trauma services program with its highest honour – the Trauma Distinction Award.
This recognizes clinical excellence and the outstanding commitment to leadership in trauma services across the health authority and as part of the B.C. provincial trauma system.
“This distinction required a rigorous evaluation process with all of Fraser Health’s partners across 12 sites, and is evidence of the dedication of physicians and staff who provide high-quality trauma care to patients as part of provincial trauma services,” said Health Minister Terry Lake.
The accreditors evaluated key indicators such as the speed and effectiveness with which the trauma teams spring into action when patients come in, the program’s ability to triage patients so they get to the right place for the right care, and patients’ wait time for rehabilitation.
Additionally, they interviewed current and past trauma patients about their experiences receiving care.
“This is recognition of our extraordinary network of health care professionals and services that provide specialized care to patients in the midst of some of the most devastating situations a person can experience,” said Dr. Iain MacPhail, Fraser Health’s regional medical director for trauma services.
“They not only provide incomparable trauma care, but are also champions of injury prevention, education and research.”
Each year, Fraser Health treats almost 130,000 trauma patients as part of the integrated B.C. trauma system – a coordinated network consisting of provincial health authorities and agencies committed to caring for the major trauma patient.
Royal Columbian Hospital and Abbotsford Regional Hospital are Fraser Health’s regional referral centres for trauma care, which means they have dedicated physicians specifically trained in caring for the traumatically injured.