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| July 14, 2009 - Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Regains Trauma Center Status |
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SEAFORD, Del. - A Sussex County hospital got a shot in the arm Monday. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford announced it has regained status as a level three trauma center. The hospital lost the status about two years ago when it lost its team of orthopedic surgeons, President and CEO Steve Rose said. As a result, patients with serious bone injuries, fractures or breaks had to be transported to other nearby hospitals. "In the past, Nanticoke hasn't even been able to meet the simplest of orthopedic problems," Rose said. "Now we're able to meet all aspects of orthopedic care." The hospital is required to provide round-the-clock orthopedic care as part of the level three designation. In the announcement, Nanticoke said it has agreed to a contract with Delphi Healthcare Partners in which the company will provide the services of three orthpedic surgeons to the hospital. The three doctors will also cover on-call shifts. Rose said the contract is scheduled to last several years. The hospital is working towards getting a fourth orthopedic surgeon, Rose said. Sussex County Emergency Medical Services welcomed the change. Director Glenn Luedtke said patients will be treated faster since first responders can now transport them to Seaford, instead of traveling to Lewes or Salisbury. "It potentially shortens turn around time," said Luedtke. "We don't have to take those patients who could not receive the services here to another hospital." In Delaware, Kent-General Hospital in Dover, Beebe Medical Center in Lewes and Milford Memorial Hospital are all considered level three trauma centers. Christiana Hospital holds the highest status at level one. In Maryland, Peninsula Regional Medical Center is also a level three trauma center. Rose said the financial health of Nanticoke appears to be improving. The number of visits to the hospital's emergency room have increased since last year and the hospital ended its last fiscal year nearly $1 million in the black, Rose said. source: WBOC 16 |
