The MetroHealth System announced on Wednesday they are partnering with local hospitals to expand Level III Trauma Center services in Lorain and Huron counties this fall.
Currently, MetroHealth is seeking verification from the American College of Surgeons for a trauma center at Mercy Health Hospital in Lorain. When approved, the hospital will be home to 24/7 trauma care, according to the news release.
This will give patients who are in need of trauma care the convenience of receiving treatment at a local hospital instead of being flown to Cleveland. A Level III Trauma Center provides extensive resources for patients in need of emergency care, according to the news release.
“This partnership will allow expert trauma care to be available for those living in Lorain County that has before, never been offered,” said Dr. Gil Palmer, chief medical officer for Mercy Health – Lorain. “At Mercy, we are always looking at ways to adapt and respond to the needs of the families we serve. There was a gap in the county where a trauma program would fit and now, we have worked to bring one to life,” Palmer said.
While residents and patients in Huron County already have access to a Level III Trauma Center at the Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk, a new partnership with the MetroHealth System will include doctors and hospital staff that will help co-manage the facility.
The collaboration will "provide comprehensive care to patients with traumatic injuries and to coordinate transfers to a higher-level trauma facility when warranted," according to the news release. The MetroHealth System has a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center in Cleveland, as well as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.
“We are honored to expand our services to Huron County and to provide trauma care at Fisher- Titus Medical Center. This partnership will save lives and keep patients close to their families and loved ones as they recover,” said Bernard Boulanger, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at MetroHealth.
“We are excited to partner with this locally and nationally recognized provider of trauma care,” said Brent Burkey, MD, president, Fisher-Titus Health. “Through this collaboration, more trauma patients will be able to receive care at Fisher-Titus and remain in our community rather than being referred to another city.”
