Southern Illinois lacks hospitals with trauma centers

(AP) — Southern Illinois residents continue to lack easy access to hospitals with trauma centers that offer specialized care for severe injuries.

To be designated as a Level I or Level II trauma center, the department requires the hospital to have sophisticated equipment and qualified staff, such as subspecialty surgeons.

Heartland Regional Medical Center's emergency room department manager, Amanda Throgmorton, said that both the hospital and Southern Illinois as a region are always looking for ways to give their patients the best care.