SOUTHAMPTON, NY — For the first time, East End residents facing a health emergency no longer have to travel miles when every minute counts.
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is the first hospital in the East End to be granted Level III Trauma Center verification by the American College of Surgeons, according to a release.
“Verification is awarded only after a rigorous demonstration of a hospital's critical resources to provide optimal care to an injured patient,” said Margaret M. McGovern, vice president of clinical programs and health system strategy at Stony Brook Medicine.
Stony Brook Hospital Southampton's verification makes it one of only seven trauma centers in Suffolk County and as part of the Stony Brook Medicine Health System “provides seamless access to Stony Brook University Hospital's trauma center which is the only Level I Trauma Center in the county it is intended for both adults and pediatrics,” he added.
The New York State Department of Health recognized Stony Brook Southampton Hospital as a Level III Adult Interim Trauma Center in 2016, providing care to the most seriously injured patients. Trauma patients requiring a higher level of care can be transported to the Stony Brook University Hospital Level I trauma center either by ambulance or, when critical, by a Suffolk County Police Medically Manned Helicopter in 12 minutes.
“This is the first ACS-verified Level III Trauma Center in the East End of Long Island, and in doing so, Stony Brook Medicine is bringing much-needed specialized care—especially in emergency situations—to people in East End communities End”. said James A. Vosswinkel, who oversees Stony Brook Medicine Health System's trauma program. “With Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Trauma Center covering the East End of Long Island and a leading Level I Trauma Center at Stony Brook University Hospital just a short drive away, we can provide the community with the most appropriate level of care at the right time.”
“Faster treatment for trauma patients can mean the difference between life and death,” said Fredric Weinbaum, MD, chief medical officer and CEO of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “During the summer season, when the area's population swells and traffic is at a standstill, it's extremely important that injury care is accessible and nearby.”
A Level III trauma center verification is granted by the ACS after demonstrating the ability to provide early assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency procedures. Evidence of Level III trauma centers includes a comprehensive list of resources, including 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency physicians and immediate availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists. Southampton's trauma team includes more than 100 surgeons, surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses and anesthetists who are available 24 hours a day, the release said.
In addition to the Level III trauma center at Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Medicine, along with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and the Southampton Hospital Association, are working to provide the city of East Hampton with a satellite emergency department to help respond to emergencies medical needs of year-round residents and the growing number of second-home owners and visitors to the area, the release said.
