Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Children’s Surgery Program has been re-verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The program, including locations at both Brenner Children’s Hospital and Outpatient Surgery – Clemmons, is one of only two in the state to receive this verification.
“We want families to know that whether their child needs a minor procedure or a major, complex surgery, we have the highest level of dedicated resources and specially trained pediatric experts to care for children,” said Thomas Pranikoff, M.D., medical director of children’s surgery and surgeon-in-chief at Brenner Children’s Hospital. “Our team provides ongoing education to families, community pediatricians and emergency personnel, along with robust fellowship training programs and research that brings evidence-based science into clinical practice at the bedside.”
Verified centers must ensure children facing surgery receive care under a multidisciplinary program and undergo an extensive site visit by a team of ACS surveyors who review the center’s structure, process and clinical outcomes data.
“This accomplishment is a direct result of the dedication from our leaders and our entire team to provide the best care possible to every one of our young patients,” said Alisa Starbuck, DNP, president of Brenner Children’s Hospital and vice president of women’s and children’s health services at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “From premature babies to teenagers, we are committed to safe and high-quality surgical care for families across our region.”
Brenner Children’s Hospital performs around 8,000 pediatric operations each year, while Outpatient Surgery – Clemmons performs around 1,000 less acute pediatric procedures each year.
The ACS first verified the Brenner Children’s Hospital program as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center in 2019. This is the first time Outpatient Surgery – Clemmons has been eligible to receive this verification.
Media contacts:
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu; Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu