Corpus Christi Medical Center – Bay Area Initiates a Higher Level of Trauma Center Designation

To broaden timely access to medical care for critically injured patients, Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area is upgrading its trauma capabilities and pursuing a higher level of trauma designation. Bay Area submitted an application to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the American College of Surgeons to initiate the voluntary process of designation and verification, which requires our commitment to providing comprehensive regional care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation. The hospital has been preparing for the upgraded designation for some time and anticipates the process will take fewer than three years.

"Delivering the highest quality care - especially in situations where seconds count - is critical to our mission to the care and improvement of human life," stated Jay Woodall, CEO of Corpus Christi Medical Center. "Our hospital is leading the future of healthcare in Corpus Christi; I am proud of our team for creating a service that saves lives and improves outcomes for critically injured patients."

Currently operating as a Level IV Trauma Center, Bay Area is pursuing certification as a (higher) Level II Center which enables our facility to treat complex cases and initiate definitive care for all injured patients. Increased availability of care includes a comprehensive quality improvement program and 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by specialists in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. Bay Area will also provide trauma prevention education in our community and training for staff and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

"Corpus Christi Medical Center is committed to a system of care that strives to reduce injury-related morbidity and mortality--getting the right patient to the right place, at the right time, to receive the right care," said Kathleen Rubano, CNO at Corpus Christi Medical Center.

Trauma is the leading cause of death in persons aged 1 - 44 years; the years of potential life lost are staggering. Trauma can occur anywhere, at any time. Critical trauma victims must reach definitive care within a short period of time, often called the "golden hour," to help prevent death or disability. To ensure this occurs, specific resources must be in place and immediately accessible at all times. Studies have shown that coordination of emergency medical resources available in an area can result in a major decrease in preventable trauma death rates.

According to the American Association for Surgery of Trauma, a fully implemented statewide trauma system will have many positive consequences, including decreases in the number of trauma incidents, injury severity, the number of preventable deaths and severity of trauma-related disability.