Delaware children’s hospital earns national recognition

 (Shirley Min/WHYY)

(Shirley Min/WHYY)

The A.I. duPont Hospital for Children was recently recognized for offering first-rate care to the region’s sickest and most injured patients.

The hospital’s trauma center was verified as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons for its dedication to quality, around-the-clock care for patients. It is the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Delaware.

In order to receive the designation, a hospital must provide the most advanced critical care, such as pediatric neurosurgery and advanced orthopedic procedures. In addition, it must treat a high volume of complex cases and produce successful outcomes, among other criteria.

According to the hospital, more than 1,000 children with moderate to severe injuries were treated in the hospital’s Pediatric Trauma Center in 2013.

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“Level I verification for our trauma center is the result of a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team approach to provide the most comprehensive care to our region’s acutely injured children,” said Trauma and Transport Program Director Diane Hochstuhl. “What it means for parents is that no matter what type or how serious the injury, we have the experienced trauma team and state-of-the-art equipment and to care for your child.”

The Delaware Division of Public Health made the designation official during a special ceremony at the hospital on Wednesday.

“Delawareans should be proud and feel so fortunate to have [duPont Hospital for Children] in our state,” said Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “I know I feel tremendous gratitude, not just as Director of the Division of Public Health, but as a pediatrician and as a mother.”

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