Phoebe earns Level II Trauma Center designation

ALBANY, Ga. – A major change has come to the Phoebe Health System. As the Georgia Department of Public Health has officially named Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital as a Level II Trauma Center.

This is a major step forward for the health system as the nearest trauma center was a minimum of an hour and a half away from Albany.

“…Being more than an hour away form the nearest trauma center puts our patients at risk of dying. So, having that care close to home, within minutes is going to make a big difference,” said Leon Dent, MD, Phoebe Medical Director for Trauma Services.

Phoebe is the first Georgia hospital in nine years to earn the designation as a trauma center.

And, in a situation where every second counts, being able to transport someone in southwest Georgia will be a difference maker.

“For example, our level one is in Macon. That’s where we were referring patients to most of the time. Now will surrounding communities will be referring patients to us. And, so, all those transports that were going around us to get to other trauma center, now they’ll come here. So, like I said, it’s a great day…” said Dr. Dent.

Phoebe Health System President Scott Steiner added that the designation as a trauma center will add around a hundred new jobs, all of which will be critical during what experts call “the golden hour.”

“…It’s where that first hour, that “golden hour” is most important. And, that hour starts when the trauma happens. Not when the ambulance shows up or the helicopter comes in. It’s when the accident happens. So, having a trauma center close is so key to controlling blood loss, maintaining airways and preserving life,” said Scott Steiner, President, Phoebe Health System.

For the Phoebe Health System, the new designation as a trauma center is a very much needed addition, making sure those in southwest Georgia won’t have to wait on transfers elsewhere, and could make the difference between life and death.

In a release from the health system, Phoebe activated their trauma team 624 times in 2023, over a 50 percent increase over the previous two years.

Brian Roche reporting.

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