Washington Hospital To Add Trauma Center

FREMONT, CA – Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont has been approved to become a level II adult trauma center within five years, the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency announced this month.

The decision follows a yearlong evaluation of Alameda County’s current trauma system and trauma needs which determined that population growth and trauma volume will require another center.

Washington Hospital has been preparing to become a trauma center for more than two decades.

"Approval to become Alameda County’s next trauma center is a major milestone in Washington Hospital’s 64-year mission to meet the health care needs of our District residents," said Jeannie Yee, president of the Washington Township Health Care District Board of Directors. "For years our community has asked that we bring trauma care to the community, and now we can finally say that trauma care will be available locally within five years."

In 2018, the Hospital opened the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion designed around trauma center requirements including: 48 CCU beds, 39 Emergency Department rooms, trauma resuscitation bays and space that is now being developed into state-of-the-art operating rooms and other critical patient services, all in a seismically sound building.

"This momentous achievement reflects the dedication of our extraordinary staff, physicians, and volunteers who are committed to serving our community," said WHHS CEO Kimberly Hartz.

“We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our trauma journey, but now we must turn our attention to the tremendous amount of work required of us to earn Level II Adult Trauma Center designation. This journey goes to the core of who we are and our commitment to the health care needs of our growing community for many decades to come.”

Washington Hospital will have Alameda County’s fourth trauma center, joining Highland Hospital, Eden Medical Center, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

The new trauma service area covers Hayward south of Industrial Blvd., Union City, Fremont, Newark, Sunol and the southern portion of the Tri-Valley Area.

The change to the countywide trauma system is the first since 1987.

"Washington Hospital Healthcare System’s designation as Alameda County’s next trauma center will be an important step to meet South County’s growing population," said Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Director Colleen Chawla. "I commend our Emergency Medical Services Agency for their disciplined analysis and our Washington Hospital colleagues for their foresight and preparation to ensure South County residents receive care within the critical moments following an injury."

"WHHS will be a vital addition to the County’s existing trauma care system," said Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency Director Lauri McFadden. "We are embarking on a multiple year process with WHHS that we are optimistic will result in trauma center designation. With their advance planning and preparation, we are confident that Washington Hospital Healthcare System is on the right path to meet the needs of their surrounding communities."