September 11, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center East Hospital has achieved provisional Level III trauma center designation from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Health.
As a provisional Level III trauma center, Ohio State’s East Hospital provides emergency care to adult victims of trauma from car accidents, falls, violent crimes and other causes. This new service complements the emergency department’s existing programs focused on other time sensitive, life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
“Ohio State has a strong record of providing the highest level of care for traumatic injuries and has been doing so for more than 30 years at the University Hospital Level I trauma center,” said David McQuaid, chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Health System. “By offering trauma services in east Columbus, area residents will have access to this exceptional emergency care closer to home.”
East Hospital’s trauma center focuses on the full spectrum of patient care services, including prevention, immediate care, inpatient care and rehabilitation. It’s staffed 24 hours a day by emergency medicine physicians, with general and orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists readily available. The nursing staff is certified in trauma, and the center features advanced technology and supplemental services, such as physical therapy.
The team collaborates with University Hospital Level I trauma center and the experienced physicians there to provide extended services and a full range of trauma, critical care and burn services within The Ohio State University Health System. University Hospital was recently certified as the first geriatric emergency department in the Midwest, and also has a specialized cancer ED.
“We’ve been in the process of developing a Level III trauma program for more than two years,” said Mary Howard, executive director of East Hospital. “The initiation of Level III trauma care is the culmination of months of training, process enhancements and facility improvements to ensure every trauma patient receives exceptional care.”
East Hospital completed a consultation visit with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Verification Review Committee in May and will operate as a provisional trauma center as the next step toward full verification.
“Our trauma center journey at East Hospital is just beginning,” said Dr. Michael Sutherland, trauma medical director. “As we care for patients, we are committed to continuous improvement and research so residents in east Columbus receive high-quality, evidence-based emergency services.”
East Hospital is a member of the Central Ohio Trauma System and its trauma leadership advocates on a regional and state level to improve trauma care and disaster preparedness. ACS is a national scientific and educational association of surgeons that maintains a voluntary verification program for trauma centers.
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Media Contact: Serena Smith, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, 614-293-3737, Serena.Smith@osumc.edu