News Seton Medical Center Williamson Announces Level III Trauma Services

Round Rock, TX - (October 6, 2009) - Seton Medical Center Williamson, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, began providing Level III trauma services today, the initial step in becoming a Level II Trauma Center.

"By offering Level III trauma services, we will be able to provide seriously injured patients a high level of care including prompt assessment, resuscitation, and emergency operations," said Mark Hazelwood, President and CEO, Seton Medical Center Williamson. "Even as we add more capabilities and expertise over the next two months to offer Level II trauma services, our aspirations extend significantly beyond being a single stand-alone trauma center. Seton is designing a regional trauma system focused on providing optimal care to injured patients in Central Texas."

At the center of Seton's emerging regional trauma system are two Level I Trauma Centers: University Medical Center Brackenridge for adult trauma patients, and Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas for pediatric trauma patients. By utilizing the medical knowledge, experience and capabilities that are concentrated in the two Level I Trauma Centers and Seton Medical Center Williamson, patients in Williamson and surrounding counties will be able to access an entire spectrum of the highest levels of trauma care available.

Seton Medical Center Williamson was originally designed, constructed and equipped to accommodate higher levels of acute, complex hospital care. Additional surgical equipment has been added to new operating rooms in anticipation of higher volumes. As part of Level III trauma services, Seton Medical Center Williamson has also added physician specialists and sub-specialists, nurses and technicians.

Seton Medical Center Williamson has named Dr. Ben Coopwood as the Trauma Medical Director. Dr. Coopwood is a Board certified surgeon who has prior experience as a Trauma Medical Director at University Medical Center Brackenridge (UMCB). Dr. Coopwood has also served as the Director of Surgical Education for Austin Medical Education Programs at UMCB and as Vice Chair of Surgery at The University of Texas Medical Branch Austin.

"This is a very exciting time to practice medicine in Williamson County," Dr. Coopwood said. "To have the capability to deliver the highest quality of trauma care to this community is something we've planned for years. Now, the time has arrived."

Dr. Coopwood pointed out that several of the physicians who work at the Level I Trauma Centers, including the region's only orthopedic traumatologists, will also spend time at Seton Medical Center Williamson. "The level of expertise we'll bring to our trauma care is really impressive."

Seton Medical Center Williamson has been collaborating with EMS systems in Williamson, Travis and Burnet counties to ensure a successful transition to the Level III trauma care now provided in Williamson County.

John Sneed, Williamson County Director of Emergency Services, said "This will bring a whole new level of trauma care to our citizens. We're looking forward to continuing our great relationship with Seton."

Nationally, trauma centers are verified by the American College of Surgeons and typically designated by a state entity. In the case of trauma centers in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services is the designating entity. Seton Medical Center Williamson has already filed the necessary paperwork requesting a designation of Level III, and ultimately Level II Trauma Center status.