HARLINGEN – The trauma center at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen has been designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Major (Level II) Trauma Facility. This follows the Center’s verification by the American College of Surgeons after a review and visit last October.
“We are excited to have achieved this honor,” stated Dr. Hillary Chollet, Trauma Medical Director at VBMC-H.
“This has been a multi-year journey that started with Dr. Ruben Lopez, a cardiac and trauma surgeon who passed away in 2015, and from the beginning has been a team effort. I thank our administration and trauma team for embracing this important goal of becoming a Major Trauma Facility, and Emergency Medical Services and the TRAC-V (Trauma Regional Advisory Council) for their support.
Time and time again, EMS men and women have proven themselves to be a special group of people who played an important role in this achievement. They and other pre-hospital providers such as the police and fire departments deserve our heartfelt thanks. “A Major Level II Trauma Center brings together a number of resources that benefit trauma patients, including in-house trauma/critical care surgeons available 24/7, and a full team of ICU specialists, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Emergency Medicine and others. “A Level II Trauma Center is able to initiate definitive care for all injured patients,” added Ernie DeLeon, RN, Trauma Program Manager.
We look forward to leading the way in improving Trauma Care in south Texas,” stated Manny Vela, CEO of Valley Baptist Health System. “Becoming the Valley’s first Major Trauma Facility is part of our mission to provide services in south Texas that allow patients to remain near home for medical care.”
For more information about Valley Baptist visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.
