MetroHealth Partners with Mercy Health and Fisher-Titus to Operate Level III Trauma Centers
MetroHealth has signed agreements with Mercy Health Lorain Hospital and Fisher-Titus Health to bring MetroHealth's trauma care closer to home for residents in Lorain and Huron counties.
MetroHealth will work in collaboration with Mercy Health Lorain to seek Level III Trauma Center verification for the hospital located in Lorain County. Upon approval from the American College of Surgeons, MetroHealth trauma surgeons will rotate at Mercy Health Lorain to provide 24/7 trauma care. A MetroHealth Medical Director and Trauma Coordinator will run the day-to-day operations at the trauma center. MetroHealth will provide training and education for Mercy Health Lorain nurses and other staff to build upon Mercy's high-quality, compassionate care model for patients with traumatic injuries.
"We are always looking at ways to adapt and respond to the needs of the families we serve," said Gil Palmer, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Mercy Health Lorain. "There was a gap in the county where a trauma program would fit and now, we have worked to bring one to life."
"MetroHealth is renowned for its trauma care. These partnerships will save lives and keep patients closer to their families and loved ones as they recover."
The partnership with Fisher-Titus Health will involve co-management of the existing Level III Trauma Center at Fisher-Titus in Huron County with MetroHealth physician and operational leadership. Effective in early 2019, specialized MetroHealth trauma surgeons will work in collaboration with Fisher-Titus physicians and staff to provide trauma care for patients. A MetroHealth Medical Director and Trauma Coordinator will manage day-to-day trauma operations.
"We are excited to partner with this locally and nationally recognized provider of trauma care," said Brent Burkey, MD, President, Fisher-Titus Health.
"MetroHealth is renowned for its trauma care," said Bernie Boulanger, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, MetroHealth. "These partnerships will save lives and keep patients closer to their families and loved ones as they recover."
According to the American Trauma Society, a Level III Trauma Center must demonstrate the ability to provide "prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations." Level III Trauma Centers include 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists.
About Fisher-Titus Medical Center
Fisher-Titus Medical Center serves Norwalk, Huron County and the region with the latest medical advancements providing the area’s 70,000-plus residents a full continuum of care that includes Fisher-Titus Memorial Hospital, a 99-bed acute care hospital; Norwalk Memorial Home, a 69-bed skilled nursing facility; The Carriage House of Fisher-Titus, a 48-unit assisted living facility; and a Home Health Center. The Medical Center is part of the Fisher-Titus Health system that includes an employed physician group, emergency transportation service, and retail pharmacy.
As a non-profit community hospital, Fisher-Titus Medical Center offers patients the most advanced technology and medical treatments possible while providing the highest level of personal care. With a dedicated and talented staff of employees and an outstanding team of physicians, Fisher-Titus has earned numerous national recognitions.
The Medical Center is accredited by Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) and also is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center and a Level 3 Trauma Center. Fisher-Titus Medical Center has received a Grade A in Patient Safety and has earned designation as one of the nation’s Most Wired Hospitals every year since 2012. For more information, please visit fishertitus.org.
About Mercy Health – Lorain
Mercy Health is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMHealth.org,) one of the top 20 health systems in the United States, one of the largest employers in Ohio and part of the top performing quartile of Catholic health systems for lowest cost per case for patient care. Mercy Health – Lorain is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated health care system, which has been providing quality health care to Lorain County and surrounding communities for more than 125 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient and ancillary services through its two hospitals, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital in Oberlin; Mercy Health Physicians; and specialized facilities, including the Mercy Health - Cancer Center, Mercy Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Mercy Health - New Life Hospice. Visit Mercy Health online at www.mercy.com.
