“We’ve seen growth over the past 10 years, but over the past 24 months, we’ve seen a decline,” said Parkland’s chief administrative officer Kris Gaw. “It’s hard to predict what will happen with all these centers opening up.”
In 2013, Parkland’s annual trauma caseload was at 7,800. But for the past two years, the number has dipped below 7,000.
Parkland’s leaders are worried the decline could hurt the hospital’s attempts to train trauma specialists. Parkland’s estimated loss for the services is $1.7 million.
Hospital board member Winfred Parnell, MD, said a committee is being formed to help reverse the decline. The committee hopes to build relationships with local rural hospitals that might send trauma patients to Parkland.
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