U Of C Working With Community On Plans For New Trauma Center
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After years of resisting demands from community activists, officials at the University of Chicago Medical Center say they are working closely with the community to bring a trauma center and expanded health care to the South Side, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
There were many demonstrations around the U of C Medical Center and elsewhere, with protesters demanding a Level One Trauma Center on the Hyde Park campus. There's currently no high lever emergency room on the South Side.
Now, that UC Medicine has agreed to a Trauma Center as part of its health plans, vice president Cristal Thomas says community groups are part of the process of making the plans a reality and Pastor Torrey Barrett of the KLEO Community Family Life Center applauds.
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"I do credit the community for raising the issue, raising awareness of the issue and for us actually including trauma in the plan as it was coming together," Thomas said.
"I would say it was important and it still is important and I applaud the university because let's be honest, they haven't always had the best reputation when it comes to the community," Pastor Barrett said.
The state's Health Facilities Board is expected to vote on the Medical Center's plans on Tuesday.
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