The Texas Department of State Health Services has named the University of Texas Medical Branch’s League City Campus as an Advanced Level III Trauma Facility.
“UTMB Health League City Campus meets the standards of care relating to the treatment of trauma in Texas, actively advocates for trauma system development and works to improve the availability and quality of trauma care as an active member of East Texas Gulf Coast Regional Advisory Council,” the certificate states.
UTMB is working to develop one of the largest, most comprehensive trauma networks in the region, officials said.
“Our hospital continues to provide higher levels of care as it continues to grow,” said Christine Wade, administrator of the League City hospital. “We are proud to be the first trauma center to serve League City.”
In 2021, the trauma facility at UTMB Clear Lake Campus also earned a Level III designation, defined by the American College of Surgeons as having resources for the emergency resuscitation, surgery and intensive care of most trauma patients. A Level III center has transfer agreements with Level I or Level II trauma centers that provide back-up resources for the care of exceptionally severe injuries. The Angleton-Danbury Campus hospital is a Level IV trauma center and can transfer patients in a timely manner.
UTMB has a Level 1 trauma facility in Galveston, the top level of trauma care.
The timing of the League City hospital’s Level III trauma designation fits the city’s expanding population.
An ever-growing League City means even more people will need emergency services close to home. In 2010, the city’s population was 83,560. That number expanded to 114,392 in the 2020 census, meaning that in just 10 years, League City’s population grew by 37%.
In early 2022, the population was 116,834. And the city is expected to keep growing significantly over the next decade.
UTMB continues to grow right along with League City as the campus continues to expand its square footage and its services. The League City Campus has plans to enlarge its emergency room.
In addition to its Level III trauma certification, UTMB’s League City Hospital is also in the process of working toward designation as a Primary Stroke Center.
This UTMB facility was League City’s first hospital, complete with inpatient and outpatient care, medical and surgical specialties, expanded-hours urgent care and a 24-hour emergency department.
In 2020, a new tower was added to the League City Campus that includes a medical-surgical unit, intensive care unit, sterile processing department, laboratory, blood bank, a pharmacy, new café and many other support services.