February 4, 2026 NGMC Gainesville Re-Verified as Level I Trauma Center View »

Patients in north Georgia will continue to benefit from the most advanced trauma care available, as Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville has been re-verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement maintains NGMC Gainesville's position as one of only six nationally-verified Level I trauma centers in the state.

Level I trauma centers must demonstrate the ability to provide system leadership, advanced clinical care, 24/7 surgical coverage, research, education and community outreach according to ACS standards. Re-verification confirms that NGMC Gainesville continues to meet, and exceed, these rigorous 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. "Since first achieving Level I verification, our trauma team has continued to expand its capabilities, strengthen partnerships with first responders and deliver lifesaving care to thousands of patients across north Georgia."

"Re-verification is not just a milestone - it's proof that our team is constantly improving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of trauma care," said Matthew Vassy, MD, Trauma medical director for NGMC Gainesville. "Our surgeons, nurses, specialists, EMS partners and support teams work together every day to care for the most critically injured patients in our region."

Since opening in February 2025, NGMC Gainesville's Green Tower has enhanced the hospital's trauma capabilities through dedicated trauma and resuscitation spaces engineered for fast, coordinated care. Its rooftop helipad -connected by dedicated elevators to the emergency department - ensures the quickest possible route for critically injured patients to reach lifesaving treatment.

"With Level I status comes a responsibility to lead, innovate and support trauma care across the region," said Jessica Mantooth, trauma program director for NGMC. "We take that responsibility seriously, and this re-verification shows that we are meeting - and exceeding - the standards our community deserves."

For more information about NGMC's Trauma Services, visit nghs.com/trauma.