The Nebraska health department has denied an application from CHI Health to attain Level I trauma center status at its Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, according to a Kearney Hub report.
State officials identified four deficiencies with Creighton's trauma service, including problems with its surgery backup schedules. The health department notified CUMC President Kevin Nokels that he may appeal the decision within 30 days by requesting a hearing.
In a statement, officials from CUMC and Creighton School of Medicine said they "strongly disagree" with the state's decision and "will immediately begin to take the steps necessary" to achieve Level I status, according to the report.
CUMC is continue operations as a trauma center, although the Omaha Fire Department announced all trauma patients will be taken to Nebraska Medical Center. This protocol took effect Wednesday.
Late last summer, the state did grant Level I status to another trauma center in Omaha — that of Nebraska Medical Center. The certification followed a split by NMC and CUMC. For years, they provided a joint trauma service. In 2014, NMC said it would separate and pursue Level I status from the state and then the American College of Surgeons. The same day that announcement was made, Omaha-based CHI Health (formerly Alegent Creighton Health) announced it would pursue the same goal. Each launched their own trauma centers Aug. 1, 2014.