UPMC Altoona making change to trauma status: ‘Prompt availability of surgeons’

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — UPMC Altoona is changing its trauma level which will go into effect this September.

The medical center said they’re committed to maintaining a high-quality regional trauma center and they’ll be proactively changing its status from Level II to a Level III trauma center. The change will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The change comes per technical credentialing by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, a UPMC spokesperson said.

“UPMC Altoona will continue to operate a necessary regional trauma program as a Level III center,” the spokesperson added. “The change in status better aligns with the needs of our patients and ensures an appropriately resourced program related to volume of highly complex traumatic injuries seen in the region.”

What are “Trauma Levels?”

Trauma levels refer to the kinds of resources available in a trauma center and the number of patients admitted yearly, according to the American Trauma Society . The categories define national standards for trauma care in hospitals.

UPMC Altoona will go from Level II to Level III. The biggest difference between the two levels is surgeons. While Level II requires 24-hour general surgeons on staff, Level III only requires general surgeons and anesthesiologists to be readily available 24/7.

Level II and Level III defined by ATS:

Level II — A Level II Trauma Center can initiate definitive care for all injured patients. Elements of Level II Trauma Centers Include:

• 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by the specialties of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care.
• Tertiary care needs such as cardiac surgery, hemodialysis and microvascular surgery may be referred to a Level I Trauma Center.
• Provides trauma prevention and continuing education programs for staff.
• Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program.

Level III — A Level III Trauma Center has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations. Elements of Level III Trauma Centers Include:

• 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists.
• Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program.
• Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center.
• Provides back-up care for rural and community hospitals.
• Offers continued education of the nursing and allied health personnel or the trauma team.
• Involved with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities.

For more information on the different trauma levels described by the ATS, you can click here .

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