News Seton Medical Center Williamson Now Offering Level II Trauma Services

AUSTIN, TX -(December 15, 2009) - Seton Medical Center Williamson, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, began offering Level II Trauma services Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Seton Medical Center Williamson had been offering Level III trauma services since early October. The expansion of trauma services to Level II capability is the next step towards becoming a designated Level II Trauma Center.

"We continue to strengthen our trauma care by enhancing our technology and our staff," said Mark Hazelwood, President and CEO, Seton Medical Center Williamson. "We are a vital part of the emerging regional trauma system currently being created by the Seton Family of Hospitals. Williamson County residents now have access to the best possible trauma care. Seton Medical Center Williamson is now delivering Level II services, and we are anchored to Seton"s two Level I Trauma Centers, University Medical Center Brackenridge, and Dell Children"s Medical Center of Central Texas."

Level II trauma services now being offered at Seton Medical Center Williamson include trauma surgeons available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; other specialists include neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons. These surgeons can perform a wide range of highly complex treatments such as craniofacial reconstruction and hand reconstruction. In addition, Seton Medical Center Williamson has been able to utilize the advanced specialty expertise from Seton"s Level I Trauma Centers as well as specialists already practicing in Williamson County. Seton"s physician partnerships are crucial in providing Williamson County with this level of advanced care.

"We offer what"s known as a 'continuum of care'," Hazelwood pointed out. "A trauma patient receives excellent clinical care from the moment EMS arrives on the scene, throughout the initial treatment process, in our state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, through comprehensive rehabilitation and ultimately, recovery."

Seton Medical Center Williamson is already gaining a reputation for outstanding trauma care. In the aftermath of the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, two wounded soldiers were taken to SMCW for trauma care.

According to Ben Coopwood MD, Director of Trauma Services at Seton Medical Center Williamson, beyond medical technology and clinical expertise, his staff is striving to reduce trauma injuries throughout the region. "One of the requirements of Level II trauma care is a robust educational and grassroots component. As trauma doctors, nurses and technicians, we have dedicated ourselves to educating our neighbors, to supply them with strategies to reduce trauma. The simply fact is, many trauma injuries can be avoided."

As an example of the commitment to reducing trauma injuries, Dr. Coopwood points to Seton Medical Center Williamson"s extensive collaborative with local elementary schools and school districts. To date, nearly 400 custom-fitted bicycle helmets have been given to area school children without charge.

In addition, Seton Medical Center Williamson continues to work with area EMS departments to improve care and transportation for seriously injured patients.

Joe Granberry, Assistant Director of Williamson County EMS, said "this is really important for the citizens of Williamson County. We"ve been meeting regularly with Seton staff, and we"re going to start transporting trauma patients to Seton Medical Center Williamson. We"re ready to go."

Nationally, Trauma Centers are verified by the American College of Surgeons, and typically designated by a state entity. Seton Medical Center Williamson is in the process of seeking official designation from the state of Texas to become a Level II Trauma Center.

Dr. Coopwood spoke with KLBJ 590AM about Level II Trauma services and what it means to the Williamson County region.