GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville has been re-verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, hospital officials announced.
The designation maintains NGMC Gainesville’s status as one of six nationally verified Level I trauma centers in Georgia, according to Northeast Georgia Health System. Level I trauma centers must meet standards set by the American College of Surgeons, including providing advanced trauma care, 24-hour surgical coverage, research, education, and community outreach. Re-verification confirms the hospital continues to meet those requirements.
“This re-verification reflects years of dedication, innovation and teamwork across our entire trauma system,” said Walt Wiley, executive director for Emergency, Trauma, Observation and EMS Services at NGMC.
Matthew Vassy, M.D., trauma medical director for NGMC Gainesville, said the designation demonstrates the hospital’s continued commitment to improving trauma care for patients across North Georgia.
“Our surgeons, nurses, specialists, EMS partners and support teams work together every day to care for the most critically injured patients in our region,” Vassy said.
Hospital officials said the opening of NGMC Gainesville’s Green Tower in February 2025 expanded the hospital’s trauma capabilities, including dedicated trauma and resuscitation spaces and a rooftop helipad connected to the emergency department by elevators designed to speed patient transport.
Jessica Mantooth, trauma program director for NGMC, said the Level I designation also reflects the hospital’s leadership role in trauma care across the region. “With Level I status comes a responsibility to lead, innovate and support trauma care across the region,” Mantooth said.
Northeast Georgia Health System is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 1 million patients across the region through five hospitals and multiple outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center operates campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega, and Demorest.
