GASTON COUNTY, N.C.,None — North Carolina has a new Level 3 trauma center, and it’s only the third in the state.
Gaston County Memorial earned the new certification.
Jim McAbee didn't know about the certification until Eyewitness News told him about the changes at the hospital in his neighborhood.
“It would be good for the neighborhood,” he said.
Before last week, if someone in the area suffered a serious injury, he or she would likely be airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center 20 miles away.
Now, they would be more likely go to Gaston Memorial.
“Any better care closer to this area is better to anybody nearby,” McAbee said.
On Tuesday, hospital officials announced that Gaston Memorial is now a Level 3 trauma center, a distinction held by only two other hospitals in the state.
“They can feel confident when they come through the doors they will receive the highest quality care,” said Dr. Anthony Raspanti, the trauma medical director.
Raspanti said they have been working for this distinction for four years.
Gaston Memorial had to establish teams of doctors and nurses who provide care for almost every kind of emergency 24 hours a day, with more specialists on standby.
State emergency medical services workers spent one year reviewing patient charts and checking care plans before deciding to name the hospital a Level 3 trauma center.
“We now bear a special responsibility to our community,” Raspanti said. “We wear it very proudly, but take it very seriously.”