Libertyville, IL -Advocate Condell Medical Center will become one of only 18 hospital Level I Trauma Centers in Illinois and the only Level I Trauma Center in Lake County, effective October 1st.  Level I designation represents the state's highest level of emergency care, including treatment for the most complex cases.

The distinction was awarded following the Illinois Department of Public Health's extensive survey to ensure criteria set for by the American College of Surgeons and the Department of Public Health were all met.  

Condell was ranked among the busiest Level II Trauma Centers according to the most recent National Trauma Data Bank Benchmark Report and is shown to be among the top third for number of trauma patients treated.  Locally, Condell treats the most trauma victims among Region 10 hospitals which include Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Skokie, St. Francis and Vista. The report also showed that Condell's trauma death rates were significantly lower than the national average.

"Our area has needed a resource for the immediate treatment of critically injured patients so they do not have to be transported to distant hospitals," says William Watson, MD, medical director, trauma services, Condell.  Trauma, either intentional or accidental, is the leading cause of death among Americans under 44 years of age according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Advocate Health Care has the most extensive trauma network in the state and we are proud to bring this level of care to Lake County," says Ann Errichetti, MD, MBA, president, Condell Medical Center.  Advocate now operates five Level I Trauma Centers throughout Illinois.   

 "We are excited to designate Advocate Condell Medical Center as a Level I Trauma Center.  This designation shows a big commitment on behalf of the hospital to community and to quality of care," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold said.

The Condell trauma team includes trauma surgeons and specialty physicians including but not limited to orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists and radiologists. Advocate Condell also operates Lake County's only Pediatric Emergency Department and Accredited Chest Pain Center.

Pictured l to r: Chuck Nozicka, DO, medical director, pediatric emergency department; Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler; Ann Errichetti, MD, MBA, Condell President; Representative Ed Sullivan, 51st District; William Watson, MD, medical director, trauma services, Bill Maloney, MD, medical director, emergency services, Jodi Jesse, director of nursing; Bill Santulli, Advocate Health Care executive vice president and chief operating officer and Laurie Meyer, member of Condell's Governing Council.