Houston Northwest Medical Center is proud to be one of six hospitals in Houston designated a Level III advanced trauma facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Level III designation indicates that Houston Northwest Medical Center is staffed by physicians and health care professionals with advanced trauma training. Level III trauma centers provide care for patients who have experienced injuries resulting from automobile accidents and patients who have significant cardiac, medical or surgical emergencies. Advance planning, which includes written agreements with the leading referral hospitals, ensures that no delay occurs in the transfer process. As a result, Level III centers are a seamless part of the state's most advanced trauma systems.

“This designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to caring for our community and providing the necessary services to help save lives in emergency situations,” says George Davis, M.D., emergency medicine medical director and chief of staff elect at Houston Northwest Medical Center.

Trauma is any life-threatening occurrence, either accidental or intentional, that results in injuries. The leading causes of trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls and assaults. Trauma is the primary cause of death among Americans under 44 years of age. The top five causes of traumatic injury in Texas are falls, motor vehicle traffic, intentional assault, other transportation and struck by/against.

In order to be designated a Level III advanced trauma facility, a hospital must meet a high level of monitoring for quality and reporting on trauma cases to a state-wide data base. Major trauma patients include those with critical injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, burns, or any injury severe enough to cause death or disability.

For more information about emergency services available at Houston Northwest Medical Center, visit www.hnmc.com  or call 281-580-0000.