SSM Health will end Level II trauma services at DePaul Hospital on September 10, due to a low number of trauma patients. Residents of North St. Louis County will no longer have a designated hospital for severe and urgent injuries. The hospital’s Level I trauma center, for treating conditions like heart attacks, will continue.

On September 10, SSM Health will end Level II trauma services at DePaul Hospital due to a low count of trauma patients. These services generally treat serious and time-sensitive injuries, like injuries from car crashes or gunshots. However, "life-saving stabilization" will still be offered. 

SSM Health has announced it would work with EMS workers during the transition. In addition, DePaul Hospital’s classification as a Level I trauma center for treating heart attacks and strokes will remain unchanged.

Other local Level I trauma centers include Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and SSM Health’s St. Louis University Hospital.

For hospitals, requirements for Level I and Level II trauma center classifications can vary in different states, but national guidelines exist. A Level I trauma center provides comprehensive care for all injuries, from the initial injury to recovery. A Level II trauma center can start care for all injuries. However, both levels require general surgeons 24/7.

Healthcare workers and others have expressed concern regarding this decision. Some emergency medical service (EMS) workers stated that transporting some trauma patients may take up to 20 minutes longer. 

The NAACP of St. Louis County has expressed disagreement with SSM Health’s decision. In a statement, the organization asked to meet with SSM Health leaders. SSM Health has not publicly responded to NAACP of St. Louis County’s request yet.