Today, the Board of Supervisors received the recommendation from the independent, highly qualified trauma services review team on which hospital in Monterey County best meets or will meet the national standards for performing high quality Level II trauma services. As CEO, I am overjoyed that Natividad Medical Center (NMC) was recommended for future designation as the Level II Trauma Center for Monterey County. We respect and endorse the recommendation from this expert review team presented today. Monterey County residents should feel fortunate that this nationally recognized gold standard process was followed in determining the best facility for trauma care. This landmark, critical decision to designate the Level II Trauma Center will not only benefit trauma patients but will improve the overall quality of health care in our community.

I am very proud of NMC’s accomplishments in building a high quality trauma program which was evident in our written proposal and during the successful, comprehensive two- day site visit by the independent review team. I firmly believe NMC is the best site for trauma care for the people of Monterey County. NMC has demonstrated a deep, historical, and ongoing commitment to providing quality comprehensive trauma services, many established major tertiary care services, ongoing follow up trauma care services in inpatient and outpatient settings, excellent access for ground and air transport units, and a financially successful designated public safety net hospital. We commit ourselves fully to working cooperatively with the Monterey County Emergency Services Agency to organize and sustain a high-quality trauma system for all residents of the County.