University Of Chicago Seeks To Address Concerns In Report On Trauma Center Plan
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials at the University of Chicago were countering some regulators' criticisms of their long-awaited plan to establish a Level One Trauma Center on their Hyde Park hospital campus.
A report by the staff of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board backed most of the university's plan for an adult trauma center, but said the medical center is asking to add too many beds and emergency room stations.
The report suggested the university add five more medical and surgical beds, rather than the 168 it is seeking; and add 15 new intensive care beds, rather than the 20 it has proposed. The report also suggested the hospital currently needs only 28 emergency stations, not the 36 it actually has; and should be asking for only 10 new ones, not five, as part of its trauma center plan.
University of Chicago Medicine vice president for community health engagement Cristal Thomas and community activist Torrey Barrett said the current emergency room often is overloaded.
One day this week, two dozen patients were left without beds for hours.
"When we can't admit people out of our emergency department, that backs up our entire emergency room," Thomas said. "Unfortunately, it threatens our ability to provide good care."
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Barrett said it also causes frustration for patients.
"If you're in an emergency room, and you're waiting an obscene amount of time, you're not going to be a happy patient," Barrett said.
The board itself has the authority to approve the hospital's plan, despite its staff's concerns. The board is expected to vote on the proposal at its next meeting on Tuesday.
The future of medical care on the South Side is the subject of this weekend's edition of "At Issue," airing Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9FM
