40 years of trusted trauma care

University Hospital has achieved reverification of both its adult and pediatric Level I trauma centers by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and redesignation as a Level I trauma center by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This redesignation means University Hospital continues its lifesaving mission as the only adult and pediatric Level I trauma center in San Antonio, serving the 22 counties included in Texas Trauma Service Area P.

This achievement marks two significant milestones in University Hospital’s history of trauma care: 40 years since the hospital first received national recognition from the ACS for meeting Level I trauma center standards and 30 years of serving South Texas as a state-designated Level I trauma center.

Level I is the highest level of trauma center designation. It means a hospital has demonstrated its the ability to provide comprehensive care for patients with the most severe and complex injuries, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Level I trauma care is not something a hospital turns on when a critically injured patient arrives,” said Cassie Lyell, executive director of trauma services at University Health. “It requires highly skilled people, highly specialized resources, and complex systems that must be ready every minute of every day.

“Maintaining both Adult and Pediatric Level I trauma centers represents an extraordinary commitment by University Health to the people of South Texas and reflects the dedication of generations of trauma professionals who have built and strengthened these programs over the past four decades," Lyell said.

University Hospital’s trauma verification is unique in Texas

University Hospital maintains two distinct Level I trauma programs—one for adults and one specifically designed to meet the unique needs of injured infants, children, and teens. Each program must independently meet the rigorous national standards established by the ACS.

Currently, there are just 22 Level I trauma centers in Texas. Of those 22 hospitals, University Hospital is the only that has achieved ACS Level I verification for both adult and pediatric trauma patients. This commitment makes a world of difference for families when this highest level of care is needed for their loved ones of varying ages following a car crash or other tragic event.

Meeting the highest standards

Meeting and maintaining the standards required for Level I trauma verification requires significant financial resources, including highly specialized personnel, facilities, technology, operational resources and a commitment to injury prevention and training the next generation of trauma professionals. Trauma surgeons must be immediately available to lead the care of the most critically injured patients. Operating rooms, anesthesia teams, blood products, advanced imaging, interventional radiology, intensive care units and other critical resources must also be available around the clock.

Level I Trauma Centers must maintain continuous access to a broad range of surgical and medical specialists, including trauma and acute care surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, radiologists and other specialists capable of managing complex injuries involving the chest, abdomen, blood vessels, face, hands, spine and other organ systems.

Maintaining a pediatric Level I Trauma Center requires these same comprehensive capabilities, supported by physicians, nurses, equipment, medications, operating rooms, intensive care services and specialists specifically trained and prepared to care for injured infants, children, and adolescents. University Hospital is the only pediatric Level I trauma center in South Texas.

Excellence through partnerships

University Hospital also maintains a close working relationship with the only other adult Level I trauma center in the city, Brooke Army Medical Center, said Dr. Mark Muir, University Hospital’s adult trauma medical director and an associate professor with UT Health San Antonio.

“Our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense’s only Level I adult trauma center further strengthens the trauma care available in South Texas, and contributes to military surgical readiness,” Dr. Muir said.

The designation for both adult and pediatric programs applies for the next three years, expiring July 1, 2029.