Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta Level 1 Trauma Center

MARIETTA, Ga. — A metro Atlanta hospital has moved up the ranks to become a Level 1 trauma hospital, according to a news release.

Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta received its verification from the American College of Surgeons and its designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health, State Bureau of EMS and Trauma.

“Wellstar strives to provide compassionate, world-class care to every person, every time. The designation of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center as a Level I Trauma Center further strengthens the network of quality trauma care that exists in metro Atlanta and Georgia,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO. CEO of Wellstar Health System.

This comes after Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center closed two years ago, leaving Grady Hospital as the only Level 1 trauma center in metro Atlanta.

Since then, Atlanta officials have been trying to figure out what to do with the former hospital site.

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While the latest addition to the Level 1 trauma center won’t replace the level of care provided to South Fulton residents, it does make it more accessible to the metro area.

According to the release, the Marietta hospital must demonstrate that it can provide the highest level of trauma care.

The criteria for a Level 1 trauma center requires comprehensive trauma services, advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and much more.

The hospital joined Grady Hospital and Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville as a Level 1 trauma center.

Wellstar has another Level 1 trauma center in Augusta called Wellstar MCG Health.

Wellstar’s Atlanta Medical Center closed in October 2022, affecting thousands of residents in need of trauma care. The hospital was one of two Level 1 trauma centers along with Grady Hospital in the metro. The closure has since led to an influx of patients at Grady who need top-notch trauma treatment.

According to the American College of Surgeons, verified Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing systemic leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries.

“The big differences between a Level II and a Level I include a strong academic research component and the presence of a range of surgical sub-specialists capable of treating the most complex injuries,” the medical director of the Hall County Hospital, Dr. Matthew Vassy. a Gainesville hospital transformed into a Level 1 trauma center.

Experts said Level 1 trauma centers can also help first responders and staff develop a local trauma system and regional disaster planning.