CONWAY, SC – Conway Medical Center has been granted provisional designation as a Level III Trauma Center by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Division of EMS and Trauma, according to hospital officials.
Julie Rajotte, spokeswoman for the facility, says the certification as a Level III Trauma Center was dated September 9.
According to the American Trauma Society, a hospital receiving a Level III Trauma Center designation has demonstrated “an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients.”
Horry County Fire Rescue Interim Chief Scott Thompson says the designation will help improve the quality and speed of emergency health care on the Grand Strand. He says the new designation will give first responders another local option for certain types of trauma care.
According to Conway Medical Center, elements of Level III Trauma Centers include:
- 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists
- Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program
- Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center
- Provides back-up care for rural and community hospitals
- Offers continued education of the nursing and allied health personnel or the trauma team
- Is involved with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities
According to the American Trauma Society, Conway Medical Center has 287 patient beds. The ATS lists Grand Strand Medical Center as having a Level II Trauma Center state designation.
