Tulsa gets closer to landing Level 1 trauma center

Written By: John Dobberstein

(TULSA, Okla.) Northeast Oklahoma is closer to getting a Level 1 trauma center for both adult and pediatric care after legislative action formalizing a public-private partnership between Saint Francis Health System and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Medical Authority.

Read this story on Broken Arrow Sentinel here. 

Bills HB 2784 and HB 2793 establish a mechanism to develop a Level I Trauma Center serving eastern Oklahoma, which advocates say is a major milestone in expanding high-level trauma care in the region.

Saint Francis Health System, Oklahoma’s largest locally owned hospital system, has invested heavily in this initiative over the past decade.

“As Tulsa’s only locally owned and operated hospital system, the Saint Francis Health System has invested substantial resources over the last decade toward establishing a Level I Trauma Center serving Eastern Oklahoma where a majority of the System’s traumapatients are from rural communities,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, President and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. 

“Saint Francis seeks to operate a Level I Trauma Center in Tulsa that will enhance life-saving care for adult and pediatric trauma patients and, through a continued partnership with Oklahoma State University, provide training for our state’s next generation of doctors.”

Saint Francis is in the final stages of preparation for adult Level I Trauma verification by the American College of Surgeons, with a formal survey anticipated this year. Following that, the health system will begin the process for pediatric Level I Trauma verification.

The partnership will also enhance academic training and clinical experience for future physicians through OSU’s involvement.

“Since 2016, Saint Francis has been a vital partner in supporting OSU Medical Center, our teaching hospital in downtown Tulsa. This initiative supports our ability to prepare future physicians while addressing a critical healthcare need in our region,” said Jay Helm, Chair of the OSU Medical Authority. 

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said the partnership will strengthen patient safety and ensures access to the highest level of trauma care closer to home. “Establishing a Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients in Tulsa has been a top priority of the House Republican Caucus, and we’re proud to see this effort move forward with broad support,” Hilbert said.

Senate President Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said establishing a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tulsa will ensure critical trauma services, are available close to home and reduce the need for patient transport to Oklahoma City.

The initiative also has strong backing from regional business and civic leaders.