USC turns over new trauma center to VSMMC

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos yesterday turned over a five-story trauma center to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, which would enable the hospital to maintain high standards in dealing with traumatic injuries.

A trauma center is a facility equipped to provide comprehensive emergency medical services to patients suffering traumatic injuries such as vehicular accidents and gunshot wounds. The center is located behind the main VSMMC building.

The ground floor of the building houses the emergency room, operating room for minor cases, and a resuscitation unit. The main operating room, intensive care unit, and recovery room are located at the second floor while the ward and burn units are located at the third floor. The fourth floor houses the hospital offices.

The roof deck also has a helipad, which would facilitate the easier transfer or transport of patients to and from the facility. The facility was also built to withstand high intensity earthquake.

USC sponsored the facility as a way of fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and recognizing trauma as a top health concern, as classified by the World Health Organization. — THE FREEMAN