RNSH hits trauma care milestone
Royal North Shore Hospital earned the highest possible distinction for trauma care in Australia and New Zealand: Level 1 Trauma Verification.
Dr Geoff Healy, Director of Trauma Services at RNSH, said the recognition under the Trauma Care Verification program had been a team effort: “We can be as passionate as possible about the things we do but without support from senior executive, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we’ve achieved.”
The verification is part of a national program led by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in collaboration with other medical disciplines. Independent reviewers assess all stages of trauma care at a facility—from pre-hospital response to rehabilitation—and identify strengths and areas for improvement. Achieving level 1 confirmed that RNSH delivers the most advanced care for critically injured patients while also leading in trauma research, education, and regional support.
To mark the rare achievement, NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri presented the trauma team with a framed copy
of their RACS certificate. “This verification is really
impressive,” Mr Schembri said. “Studies have shown that trauma services internationally that are verified have better morbidity and mortality outcomes so it’s good for patients, and it’s good for our reputation to be acknowledged in this way.” The trauma team responded by gifting the CE a striking and difficult-to-capture aerial photograph of a trauma helicopter landing on RNSH’s helipad.
Chief Executive Anthony Schembri with the RNSH Trauma service team
32 NSLHD 2025 Year in Review
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