Shriners Children’s Northern California Becomes Second in Nation to Achieve Highest Level of Musculoskeletal Surgical Verification

Shriners Children’s Northern California is the second pediatric hospital in the nation to obtain verification as a Level I Specialty Children's Surgery-Musculoskeletal Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the only facility on the West Coast. The Level I verification is the highest of three levels of ACS surgical verification a pediatric hospital can receive.

Level I Specialty Children's Surgery-Musculoskeletal verification requires pediatric hospitals to meet strict standards, demonstrating that patients receiving surgery receive care under a multidisciplinary program while ensuring safety standards and processes, meticulous data collection, high-quality improvement and appropriate surgical resources. The verification followed an extensive review of hospital structure, processes and outcomes conducted by a team of ACS surveyors including experienced pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses.

“This Level I verification is extremely meaningful to us at Shriners Children’s, because it reflects our continual efforts to provide high-quality care to more children, closer to where they live,” said Shriners Children’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jerry G. Gantt. “We are committed to providing hope and healing to the patients who come to Shriners Children’s Northern California for surgical services.”

The Shriners Children's healthcare system has a long history of delivering exceptional pediatric care through its three-part mission of caring for patients with the highest quality care, conducting research to gain knowledge and develop new treatments, and providing educational opportunities for physicians and the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“We are honored to be only one of two pediatric hospitals in the nation with this verification,” said Chief of Orthopedics Michelle James, M.D. “This verification from the American College of Surgeons reflects our organization’s commitment to providing individualized, patient-centered, high-quality care and experience for the families we serve. It confirms to parents and healthcare professionals that, for their children and patients, the highest level of musculoskeletal care available in the nation can be received here.”

Shriners Children’s Northern California is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top orthopedic programs in the country, in partnership with UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Shriners Children’s Northern California’s signature clinical programs within orthopedics include fracture follow-up and care, a hand and upper extremity program, lower extremity care, multidisciplinary neuromuscular programs, spine and scoliosis care, and sports medicine. Patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists and psychologists, burn technicians, occupational and physical therapists, nutritionists, social workers, pharmacists, child life specialists and orthotists. Shriners Children’s continues to serve in their mission of treating any patient who qualifies for care regardless of their family's ability to pay or insurance status.