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Originally Posted by golfing eagles
This is a much better question for DB, a retired hospital administrator. Generally you need at least one well qualified trauma surgeon. You may need an OR right off the ER, or at least close by. You probably need ER docs and some nurses who are certified in ATLS. And then, of course, you need to jump through the state's paperwork hoops and probably a CON
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In FL, as in many other states, there are specific requirements and differing levels of competency. All levels require an application that is reviewed/approved by the State.
In addition to some of the physical characteristics noted by GE, there are others that pose difficulty. Level 1 trauma centers are the most comprehensive. They are usually found in major teaching hospitals, with numerous specialty and subspecialty residencies and fellowships. Certain types of physicians must be in-house 24/7. E.g., anesthesia, general surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, trauma surgery, neurosurgery, internal medicine, and sometimes OB and cardiac surgery. To maintain such readiness is extremely costly, and usually requires a very close relationship with a medical school. And as GE noted various certification levels are also required.
I believe there are 5-6 designated level 1 centers in all of FL. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. Level 2 centers are not required to have as many in-house specialties or the breadth of facilities. However, these are also very expensive to operate.
Several years ago the state agreed to assist in funding the development of additional Level 3 centers. These are far less comprehensive than Level 1's. Ocala Regional and Monroe Regional both opened new centers during this period.
There are ongoing requirements for each level, and the State visits and assesses each center on a regular basis.
The Villages Regional Hospital lacks, IMO, required specialty and subspecialty physicians, as well as certain facilities and equipment. They also do not have a close relationship with a medical school.
If we were going to have a Level 3 center close by, it would be much more likely at Leesburg than at The Villages. Two reasons: Leesburg has a cardiac surgery program and OB. Why is OB important, you ask? If a pregnant woman is in an auto collision you want OBs involved in her care. The Villages can't do this.
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