LORAIN, Ohio — Trauma services at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital will cease next month as a result of the end of the Catholic health care system's partnership with MetroHealth, the two nonprofits announced Wednesday.
In a press release, Mercy Health said the decision to end their association was made "together" with Metro, adding that "this transition made best sense for both Mercy Health and MetroHealth to ensure the health systems continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care long into the future." As such, Mercy Health Lorain's last day of trauma services will be Oct. 15, with the hospital electing not to seek reverification as a Level III trauma center.
"MetroHealth has been a great partner, and we’re thankful for their team's commitment to our patients since we came together in 2019," Dr. John Luellen, president of Mercy Health's facilities in Lorain and Youngstown, said in a statement. "Mercy Health will continue to provide exceptional emergency care to our patients, just as we have since we opened the doors to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital."
As a Level III trauma center, Mercy Health Lorain has been able to provide a number of comprehensive services over the last five years, including emergency operations and resuscitation, intensive care, and transfer agreements with higher Level I or II centers (such as MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland). According to Mercy Health, emergency services at the hospital will continue, and those experiencing the following symptoms should feel free to come to the hospital for immediate care:
- Major broken bones
- Burns
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Severe shortness of breath
- Severe bleeding
- Head or eye injuries
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Severe dizziness
- Weakness or numbness on one side
With the termination of Mercy Health Lorain's trauma services, nearly two dozen certified trauma centers will remain operational in Northeast Ohio. However, the closest to Lorain will be University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, a Level III facility about 10 miles away.
"We have been honored to partner with Mercy Health to provide high-quality trauma care to the patients and communities of Lorain County," Acting MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager wrote. "MetroHealth is proud to be Greater Cleveland's most experienced Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, and our dedication to providing the highest level of emergency care has not changed. We will work closely with the caregivers at Mercy Health to ensure a smooth transition."
Mercy Health will still operate a total of six trauma centers across Ohio in the Toledo, Youngstown, and Lima areas.