Samaritan Medical Center Receives Provisional Level III Trauma Center Designation
Published on: February 17, 2025
Watertown, NY– Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce that it received Provisional Level III Adult Trauma Center designation by the New York State Department of Health in 2024. The designation reflects the hospital’s efforts to show preparedness and capability to offer critical advanced care for patients presenting to Samaritan Medical Center’s Emergency Department with traumatic injuries. In 2024, Samaritan’s Emergency Department served over 30,000 patients, with more than 600 receiving treatment for traumatic injuries, underscoring the need for the hospital to become a designated trauma center.
Level III Trauma Centers play a vital role in communities that may not have timely access to higher-level facilities, such as Level I or II trauma centers. These centers provide definitive care for patients with mild to moderate injuries, ensuring that individuals can receive critical treatment closer to home. In addition to offering essential care, Level III centers are equipped with systems to promptly evaluate, manage, and transfer patients with more severe injuries to Level I and II facilities when necessary. Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is the Central New York region’s only Level I Trauma Center for adults and pediatrics.
“We are honored to receive the Provisional Level III Trauma Center designation from the New York State Department of Health,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO at Samaritan Medical Center. “This designation is an important step in highlighting our trauma care capabilities, and we are eager to complete the verification process with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to solidify our position as a comprehensive trauma care provider.”
As the largest hospital and the only trauma center in Jefferson and Lewis County, Samaritan Medical Center is committed to providing immediate care for trauma patients and improving outcomes for patients in our community.
Daniel Bryden, DO is the Trauma Medical Director for Samaritan Medical Center. “The provisional designation is an essential first step in our long-term goal of becoming an ACS Verified Level III Trauma Center,” said Dr. Bryden. “In the meantime, the hospital will continue to build upon its trauma care services, ensuring that patients receive the best care in their time of need.”
Upon the successful completion of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) rigorous two-year verification process, Samaritan Medical Center will be recognized as an ACS Verified Level III Adult Trauma Center.