Trauma

As the only free standing Level I (comprehensive) pediatric trauma center in our region, Texas Children’s Hospital in the medical center provides around-the-clock coverage to evaluate and treat the most severely injured children and adolescents. Highly skilled care team members, including pediatric surgeons and surgical subspecialists, emergency medicine physicians, critical care physicians, anesthesiologists, nurses, child life specialists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, physical, occupational and respiratory therapists and other support staff, have undergone and continue to receive specialized training in order to provide the highest quality care to pediatric patients.

Texas Children’s Hospital, West Campus and Texas Children’s Hospital, The Woodlands are the only free standing pediatric level IV trauma centers in our region who provide critical access to traumatically injured children. In the community hospitals, a multidisciplinary team provides prompt treatment for orthopedic trauma and minor injuries while stabilizing critically injured patients for transfer to higher levels of care. Texas Children’s Hospital Medical Center, our level l trauma center campus, along with the community level IV centers create an efficient trauma system that provides patients with the right care, at the right place, at right the time.

Verification History

Texas Children’s Hospital medical center campus has been verified as a Level I pediatric trauma center since 2010. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process. Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance.

Texas Children’s Hospital west and woodlands campuses have been verified as Level IV trauma centers since 2020. The Omnibus Rural Health Care Rescue Act, passed in 1989, directed the Bureau of Emergency Management of the Texas Department of Health to develop and implement a statewide emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma care system. In January 1992, the Texas Board of Health adopted rules for the implementation of a trauma system which divided the state into twenty-two regions to develop and implement a regional trauma system plan, delineated the trauma facility designation process, and provided for the development of a state trauma registry. The Office of EMS/Trauma Systems group works with hospitals and regions to develop trauma facility designation, protocols, policies, and to designate trauma facilities and trauma systems in the state.

Quality & Outcomes

Texas Children’s Trauma Services aims to continuously evaluate and improve the quality of care given to trauma patients from the perspective of our patients, parents, providers and system. Our trauma process improvement program monitors and evaluates patient care and system performance, while ensuring implementation of a culture of safety. The team participates in the American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Quality Improvement Program and attends the annual scientific meeting and training which compares and provides benchmarking for all level I, II, and III trauma centers.

Healthcare Provider Educational Offerings

In keeping with our commitment to quality patient care Texas Children’s Trauma Services provides a variety of nationally recognized trauma education and training opportunities. Learn more about our course offerings.