Piedmont Medical Network announced milestone at Rock Hill Hospital

ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) - As York, Lancaster and Chester counties grow in South Carolina, so does the need for emergency care.

Now, Piedmont Medical Network’s Rock Hill Hospital is expanding the level of trauma care it can provide. Piedmont Medical Network announced the hospital now has a Level II Adult Trauma Center.

South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country. For people who live in the area that could mean a bigger need for emergency services.

“A lot of my friends have been in car accidents too and response times are pretty good and I like how they’re starting to build more in the area,” said a York County man, Pablo Rodriguez Delrey.

Getting the right care quickly can be a challenge, especially when patients need specialized treatment.

“I know travel can sometimes be 15, 20 minutes and 15 or 20 minutes can be a life or death situation,” said York County resident Doreace Santiago.

The Rock Hill Hospital is the only designated trauma center in York, Lancaster, and Chester counties.

“We’re now able to offer 24/7 neurosurgical support, interventional radiology, access to an operating room within 15 minutes of arrival if needed,” said Trauma Medical Director, Dr. Carrie Watson.

That means trauma surgeons and specialized teams are available around the clock. The hospital’s trauma medical director says its patient outcomes are already exceeding the national average.

Dr. Watson explains that the national average for a Level II Trauma Center is a 7% mortality rate and she says Rock Hill’s hospital is at 4.2%.

“We are incredibly proud that not only are we providing excellent care for patients but that means that they’re actually getting out of the hospital faster and they’re surviving severe injuries,” said Dr. Watson.

For residents, the hope is that investment in the region keeps pace with its growth.

“No matter how much money you put into the buyables, you need to put it into the people too,” said Rodriguez Delrey.

“Healthcare is a very important you know industry in our community and I think it’s great that they’re doing that,” Santiago said.

As the area continues growing hospital leaders say they want to make sure the care that’s available here grows with it.