Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare will withdraw the level 2 trauma designation at its Aurora, Ill.-based Mercy Medical Center after the Illinois Department of Public Health revoked it due to absence of essential services needed to maintain the designation.
“As stated in the revocation letter, these [services] include lack of trauma coverage that is separate from general surgery services, failure to demonstrate appropriate use of bypass due to lack of trauma surgeon availability and/or back-up trauma coverage, and other failures to comply with the Illinois Emergency Services Act,” a spokesperson for the state department of health said in an April 25 statement shared with Becker’s.
The withdraw also comes due to a significant decline in patient population, a Mercy Medical Center facility spokesperson said in an April 24 statement shared with Becker’s. The hospital will maintain all other emergency care services and will remain a comprehensive emergency department.
All existing hospital services, including critical care, surgical care and emergency services will continue without changes or disruption.
“Mercy Medical Center has held a level 2 trauma designation but has had very little trauma volume therefore the hospital was in discussions to voluntarily withdrawal the designation when it received notice from the IDPH on April 19,” the spokesperson said. “With very little trauma volume, it is difficult to ensure comprehensive, quality services. The removal of the ‘level 2’ designation does not change the quality of care provided in the emergency room. Our priority is always ensuring quality and access to care for the communities we serve.”
Mercy Medical Center was acquired, along with seven other Illinois hospitals, by Prime in March from St. Louis-based Ascension. Four senior-living and post-acute facilities, two ASCs and Chicago-based Ascension St. Elizabeth were also part of the purchase. St. Elizabeth closed in mid-February, but the health system is working to determine next steps for the hospital.
The hospital has been in contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Response to ensure patients are dispositioned properly.
“EMS will direct specific trauma level 2 care to a designated trauma center, but this represents a very small number of patients,” the statement said. “EMS will continue to transport patients to Mercy Medical Center and all necessary care will be provided.”
The news comes after Prime said it was temporarily suspending pediatric inpatient services at its Joliet, Ill.-based St. Joseph Medical Center after the unit averaged less than one patient per day. St. Joseph was also part of the Ascension purchase.