COATESVILLE, Pa., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed legislation that will provide $12.5 million in state funds to establish trauma centers at hospitals throughout Pennsylvania.
Governor Rendell, who was joined by the measure's sponsor, state Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), said House Bill 100 will also draw $15 million in federal grants for the establishment of Level Three trauma centers in hospitals. Level One and Level Two trauma centers use on-call specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists and neurosurgeons. Level Three trauma centers will have surgeons available on a continual basis and will also be able to provide initial care for the majority of injured patients.
"Trauma centers should be well-equipped to deal with immediate responses to life-or-death situations," the Governor said during the ceremonial bill- signing at Brandywine Hospital. "Creating a funding mechanism that allows hospitals to be better-equipped will save countless lives in communities throughout Pennsylvania."
Governor Rendell's 2004-05 budget also provides for $12.5 million in grants to hospitals, which have said that increased medical malpractice insurance costs were the primary factor forcing them to shut down or curtail trauma center services. Funding will be available to hospitals with Level One and Level Two trauma centers. Hospitals will receive 90 percent of the funds. Of that, the first 50 percent will be distributed evenly between Level One and Level Two centers. The remaining 50 percent will be allocated on a percentage basis. The percentage will be based on medical assistance and uninsured cases with the remaining 10 percent distributed to Level Three centers.
"Trauma centers in Pennsylvania serve some of the neediest Pennsylvanians, many of whom are underinsured or not insured at all," Governor Rendell said. "Trauma centers are also very costly to operate and should be supported by a dedicated funding stream."
The bill, also known as the Trauma Systems Stabilization Act, will also establish accreditation of Level Three trauma centers while ensuring that smaller hospitals, especially those in rural areas throughout Pennsylvania, have access to the funds.
CONTACT: Abraham Amoros, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-579-8190.
Pennsylvania Office of the GovernorCONTACT: Abraham Amoros, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-579-8190
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
