While almost all hospitals have an emergency department, only a few are designated as trauma centers. As of today, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center became a level II trauma center giving emergency responders another option when caring for Oklahomans in their greatest time of need.
While almost all hospitals have an emergency department, only a few are designated as trauma centers. As of today, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center became a level II trauma center giving emergency responders another option when caring for Oklahomans in their greatest time of need.
“There is a great need for trauma services in Oklahoma,” says Amanda Celii, M.D., the medical director of the new trauma center. “Until now, there was only one trauma center for every 1,362,792 people in the state. By becoming a level II trauma center, we are helping to improve that ratio.”
INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center held a ribbon cutting event this morning to signify the official opening of its newly designated level II trauma center. The hospital was previously a level III trauma center. Click here to learn what the different levels mean.
“Achieving level II trauma center designation is a tribute to the talent and commitment of everyone involved,” says Celii. “This enhancement strengthens our ability to deliver immediate critical care, ensuring that our community has greater access to lifesaving care for severely injured patients.”
As a level II trauma center, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center will offer continuous availability to neurosurgery, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neonatal care, obstetrics and more. In order to achieve this upgraded designation, the hospital had to expand its trauma care services and guarantee that trauma surgeons would be available on-site at all times.
Trauma injuries generally occur suddenly and cause physical harm. Even though most people think of car accidents, stabbings and shootings as traumatic injuries, there are many other types, including falls, fractures, impalements, crushing injuries and burns.
“The fact that we can now not only treat severe burns but also treat patients who have experienced both burns and physical trauma - is a true differentiator for us,” says Christopher Lentz, M.D., the medical director of the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. “While we have been able to provide comprehensive burn care for years, prior to becoming a level II trauma center we would have to send burn patients who also suffered trauma out of state for care. Now they can stay here close to home.”
Click here to learn more about the newly designated level II trauma center in the state of Oklahoma.
