The state of Nebraska has denied Creighton University Medical Center’s application for Level I trauma center designation. Until last August, the Omaha hospital operated a collaborative trauma program with nearby Nebraska Medical Center. In a January 9 letter, the state Department of Health and Human Services cited Creighton’s failure to meet four standards for comprehensive trauma center designation.
The letter was signed by Joseph M. Acierno, MD, JD, the department’s chief medical officer. It cited deficiencies in:
- The published backup schedule for general surgery
- Neurosurgery attendance at peer review committee sessions
- Orthopedic surgery coverage (single-hospital dedication/backup call)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course verification of emergency department nurses
Creighton leaders contend the four deficiencies were minor and have already been corrected, according to a statement published by KETV/Omaha. The leaders also claim that the denial disregards the recommendations of the state survey team. “We will immediately begin to take the steps necessary to re-establish our Level I trauma designation, and we are confident of our success.”