(Peoria, IL / July 29, 2013) –OSF Saint Francis Medical Center has been re-designated a Level I Trauma Center by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the highest level possible. OSF Saint Francis was first designated a Level I Trauma Center in October 1972 and has maintained that status for 41 years.

There are only sixteen Level I Trauma Centers in the state designated by IDPH. OSF Saint Francis is the only Level I Trauma Center in the central Illinois region which covers 18 counties.

Among the strengths of the OSF Saint Francis trauma program and emergency department cited by IDPH:
– Timely response of surgeon and trauma team for activations
– Large and well planned trauma bays with accessible radiographic equipment
– High volume and high acuity program
– Direct involvement and oversight by the Trauma Medical Director
– Sub-specialty physician resource for EMS Region 2

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma classifies a Level I facility as a regional resource trauma center that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma care system. The facility must have the capability of providing leadership and total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehab. In its central role, the Level I center must have adequate depth of resources and personnel.

As a Level I Trauma Center, OSF Saint Francis provides ALL essential services, in-house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide optimal care for the trauma patient.