FAQs About Trauma Care

What is a Trauma Center? 

A trauma center is a hospital equipped and staffed to provide comprehensive medical services to patients suffering from traumatic injuries. A Level 1 Trauma Center provides the highest level of surgical care to trauma patients with access to a full range of surgical specialists and equipment available 24 hours a day. If you are severely injured, getting care at a Level 1 trauma center can lower your risk of death by 25 percent. For a complete list of trauma centers and to learn more about the different levels of trauma centers, please visit the American College of Surgeons website.

When can I visit a patient in The Trauma Center? Can anyone visit? 

Visiting Hours are from 10:00am-9:00 pm. Members of the health care team may restrict visitation if visitors display behaviors that are unsafe or disruptive to patient care. Visitors under the age of 16 are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit.   

Who takes care of the patients in The Trauma Center?

All physicians on the trauma team are board certified or board eligible in Surgical Critical Care. A team of specially trained registered nurses work collaboratively with the physicians to provide care to patients in The Trauma Center. Trauma surgeons work collaboratively with physicians from other specialties, such as orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and others. Social work, case management, and clergy are available. Other health care team members include pharmacists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, registered dieticians, unit secretaries, and patient transport. 

Where in the hospital will a trauma patient be? 

Trauma patients are first evaluated in the Emergency Department. If admission is deemed necessary, critically ill patients are admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit while less severely injured patients are admitted to the regular nursing floor. The trauma patient may also require procedures in the Radiology Suite or Operating Room. 

When can I see the doctors that are responsible for my loved one? 

Dates and times for rounding, medical procedures, tests, or even discharge from the hospital are variable. Your understanding of the unpredictability of trauma care is appreciated. 

Find out more about a hospital stay at MetroHealth at metrohealth.org/for-patients-and-visitors/your-stay.

The MetroHealth Medical Center is NE Ohio's leading Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. 

Please call 911 for all emergencies  |  216-778-4979 (General Questions)