PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth has achieved a new distinction that will benefit the community far beyond just members of the military.
According to a spokesperson for Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, as of Friday morning, their facility's trauma center began operating at level II, meaning they're now capable of handling all but the most severe emergency cases.
While almost all hospitals have an emergency department, only a few are designated as trauma centers by the Virginia Department Of Health. In Hampton Roads, only one facility — Sentara Norfolk General Hospital — is designated as a level I trauma center. Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News is also a level II trauma center, while Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital has a level III designation.
The spokesperson said that the facility will be able to accept trauma patients from the local area at its emergency department, giving emergency responders another option when caring for patients in need of immediate critical care, even if those patients are not associated with the military.
"This Trauma Center verification affirms our commitment to being a community partner and resource to care for critically injured patients," Captain Brian Feldman, the director of NMCP, said in a statement.
“This historic accomplishment is the result of the vision, dedication, and teamwork of a group of incredible healthcare professionals. They have maintained a commitment to the resources, processes, and continuous performance improvement required to ensure optimal care for injured patients here in Portsmouth and in austere environments around the world," Feldman said.
