Trauma patients in the Greater Cincinnati region will now have access to expert clinicians, coordinators and a specialized support group to help further advance their healing and reduce suffering.
UC Health provides Greater Cincinnati’s only Level I adult trauma center at UC Medical Center, and a Level III trauma center at West Chester Hospital, which means the right mix of specialists and medical resources are available for patients at a moment’s notice. In 2020, UC Health cared for 5,900 patients who were victims of traumatic injuries.
Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability for children and young adults below the age of 45. While trauma systems like UC Health reduce mortality by 25% on average, long-term functional outcomes may be difficult for some patients. Anxiety, depression, lack of self-confidence and good social support can adversely affect patients’ physical recoveries – but a support network can help.
“By becoming a Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) hospital, UC Health is elevating the level of care provided to trauma patients from injury to recovery. From national online classes to unique local events — such as snack and chats, support groups, mentorship and social events — our local TSN is dedicated to serving those impacted by traumatic injuries. Our mission at UC Health is to give hope every day to patients and their families,” said Vanessa Nomellini, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a UC Health trauma and critical care surgeon.
The UC Health Trauma Survivors Network is led Nomellini and Gina Menninger, RN, UC Health Trauma Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, and Shelly Gordon, RN, UC Health Trauma Center Director.
“With the launch of UC Health TSN, trauma patients receive ongoing access to tools to navigate recovery, supportive social networks, peer support and mentoring,” Menninger said. “This partnership with TSN is just another way we can provide support and inspiration to patients in our community.”
The UC Health TSN is located at UC Health’s Clifton Campus and West Chester Hospital.