News Releases

Memorial Hermann Katy Becomes Level IV Trauma Care Center

Houston, Texas – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has been designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as the only Level IV trauma facility in the Katy area.

The designation certifies that the hospital has comprehensive plans in place to provide care to patients with traumatic injuries. To meet these stringent requirements, the hospital must have specially trained staff, emergency equipment, transportation resources and the capability to transfer patients to higher-level facilities when necessary

“We sought this designation because we are committed to providing high-quality medical care to those patients in our community who need help urgently,” said Alan Hand, M.D., the hospital’s medical director of emergency services. “We are dedicated to providing the highest standards of evaluation and stabilization of traumatic injuries, including vehicle accident injuries, major fractures, falls and injuries to the head, spine and internal organs.”

“Memorial Hermann is focused on exceptional patient care, so we place a strong emphasis on continuous training for our expert medical staff. More than 90 percent of our emergency department nurses have completed specialized trauma courses,” added trauma coordinator Kim Mecum, RN.

To qualify for trauma facility designation, hospitals must apply to the state and meet stringent criteria. Certifications range from Level IV centers, which provide basic trauma care, to Level I centers, such as Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, which conduct research and handle severe trauma.

The designation covers a three-year period and will transfer to the new Memorial Hermann Katy hospital, now under construction and set to open in December 2006 at Grand Parkway and Interstate 10.

For more information, contact Media Relations.