MARIETTA, Ga. — A metro Atlanta hospital has moved up the ranks to become a Level 1 trauma hospital, according to a news release.
Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta received its verification from the American College of Surgeons and designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health State Office of EMS and Trauma.
“Wellstar strives to provide compassionate, world-class care to every person, every time. The designation of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center as a Level I Trauma Center further strengthens the network of quality trauma care that exists across Metro Atlanta and Georgia,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System.
It comes after Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center closed two years ago, leaving Grady Hospital as the only Level 1 trauma center in the metro Atlanta area.
Atlanta officials have since been trying to figure out what to do with the site of the old hospital.
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Although the latest Level 1 trauma center addition doesn't replace the level of care for those in South Fulton, it makes it more accessible to the metropolitan area.
According to the news release, the hospital in Marietta must show that it can provide the highest level of trauma care.
The criteria for a Level 1 trauma center require comprehensive services for trauma cases, advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and more.
The hospital joined Grady Hospital and the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville as a Level 1 trauma center.
Wellstar has another Level 1 trauma center in Augusta called Wellstar MCG Health.
Why it's important
Wellstar's Atlanta Medical Center closed its doors in October 2022, impacting thousands of residents who needed trauma care. The hospital was one of two Level 1 trauma centers with Grady Hospital in the metro. The closing has since caused an influx of patients at Grady who need top trauma care treatment.
According to the American College of Surgeons, verified Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries.
So what's the difference?
“The big differences between a Level II and a Level I include a robust academic research component and having the range of surgical subspecialists to be able to care for the most complex of injuries,” Hall County Hospital medical director Dr. Matthew Vassy previously said when a Gainesville hospital upgraded to a Level 1 trauma center.
Experts said that Level 1 trauma centers can also help first responders and personnel develop a local trauma system and regional disaster planning.