CHICAGO - In the first weeks of its operation, the University of Chicago Medicine's new Level I adult trauma center has become one of the busiest in Illinois.
The hospital says since May 2, the center treated 274 patients during its first four weeks. About 38 percent of the patients suffered gunshot or stab wounds. Leslee Stein-Spencer of the Public Health Department says the numbers show there was definite need for a trauma center on Chicago's South Side.
University of Chicago Medicine opened the center after years of campaigning by community activists. The South Side was without a trauma center for nearly 30 years after the shutdown of Michael Reese Hospital. That meant patients from an area that has high numbers of gun violence sometimes had to travel up to 10 miles for treatment. The Level I adult trauma center is now one of nine serving Chicago.
