The two hospitals are approximately nine miles apart, though that averages between a 15 to 20-minute drive.
“Premier Health has a long-standing commitment to deliver exceptional emergency and trauma care to our community. This commitment remains,” Premier Health said in an organizational statement.
Premier Health will continue to operate level III trauma centers at Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy.
Ohio law defines trauma or a “traumatic injury” as meaning severe damage to someone or destruction of tissue that creates a significant risk of loss of life; loss of a limb; significant, permanent disfigurement; and/or significant, permanent disability.
Trauma causes can include a blunt or penetrating injury; exposure to electromagnetic, chemical, or radioactive energy; drowning, suffocation, or strangulation; or a deficit or excess of heat.
The trauma system is designed to get severely injured patients to the “right hospital, in the right manner, in the right amount of time,” according to Ohio EMS. These three factors can impact the patient’s chances of survival while minimizing chances of suffering severe disabilities, the state says.
The health system indicated staffing was also a contributing factor in its decision to cease trauma operations at its Centerville hospital.
“While the demand for these services and the proximity of Miami Valley Hospital’s main campus both contributed to this decision, it also reflects the increasing difficulty in sourcing the expertise necessary to staff a level III trauma center,” Premier Health said.
Affected personnel are being offered other employment options within Premier Health’s network.
It is part of the health system’s ongoing focus is to ensure its resources are allocated strategically across the Premier Health system “to ensure the highest quality care for our patients,” Premier Health said.
Miami Valley Hospital South cares for, on average, three to four trauma…
