The head of one of Galesburg’s two hospitals says a designation as a trauma center isn’t necessary, and that the removal of such a designation shouldn’t mean much — if anything — in regards to patient care.
Both OSF Saint Mary Medical Center and Galesburg Cottage Hospital have given up their designation as a “Level Two Trauma Center”.
In the case of Cottage, CEO Jim Flynn tells WGIL cost was a factor for removing the voluntary designation, but you may never see that if you end up in the E.R.
“It does not mean we are not going to be available to take care of patients with trauma-like conditions,” says Flynn. “We still have our Emergency Department nurses trauma-trained. Our emergency physicians are all board-certified in emergency medicine.”
“Patient care will in no way be affected by this decision,” said Jennifer Junis, President of OSF St. Mary Medical Center, in a news release. “We will continue to provide great care from trauma surgeons and other clinicians 24 hours a day.”
A statement by OSF Saint Mary mirrors that sentiment, and that both hospitals still have staff able to treat trauma patients. But that will also mean the nearest trauma center is a Level One — OSF Saint Francis in Peoria, while Unity Point Methodist is a Level Two.
Flynn says most hospitals in the state don’t have a trauma designation anyway.
