UH Elyria First Verified Adult Level III Trauma Center In County

Press release from University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center:

Nov. 20, 2021

Following an evaluation and recommendation by the American College of Surgeons, the State of Ohio has designated University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center as an adult level III trauma center – the first verified trauma center in Lorain County. Residents of Elyria and surrounding communities who experience injuries can now be treated close to home.

Designation as an adult level III trauma center is the final step in a multi-year process. UH Elyria received provisional designation in November 2019.

Trauma poses significant risk to loss of life or limb, or permanent disfigurement or disability. A level III trauma center must:

• Have continuous general surgical coverage
• Be capable of managing the initial care of the majority of injured patients
• Have transfer agreements with level I and level II trauma hospitals for patients who exceed its patient care resources
• Be involved in injury prevention and have an active outreach program for its referring communities
• Conduct education programs for nurses, physicians and allied health care workers involved with trauma

“The medical staff at UH Elyria Medical Center has worked very hard to meet all the standards established by the American College of Surgeons,” said Danelle Boomer, BSN, RN, Trauma Program Manager. “The standards ensure we provide the best possible care to our trauma patients and I could not be more proud of our team.”

Four trauma-trained surgeons are on staff at UH Elyria Medical Center, including Joanna Kristine Brown, MD, FACS, Chair, Department of Surgery and Trauma Medical Director.

“Recognition by the American College of Surgeons as a fully designated level III trauma center is an honor for UH Elyria and a tremendous benefit for every member of the community we serve,” said Dr. Brown. “For more than a century, our hospital has provided high-quality, compassionate care. We strive to continuously enhance our services and this designation affirms that when level III trauma care is needed, UH Elyria has the tools and team to provide it.”

Patients who present to UH Elyria Medical Center’s emergency department and require higher-acuity trauma care will be stabilized and transferred to a nearby trauma center. UH Elyria is part of a regional trauma network that includes the level I adult and pediatric trauma centers at UH Cleveland Medical Center and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospitals, respectively.

The emergency department at UH Elyria Medical Center is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center, and by the American College of Cardiology as an accredited Chest Pain Center.

This press release was produced by University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. The views expressed here are the author's own.