OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital Receives Provisional Level III-N Trauma Center Status
Advanced trauma services in Pickerington to provide lifesaving care closer to home
Following an American College of Surgeons’ consultative visit, the State of Ohio has granted provisional Level III-N Trauma Center status to OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital, making it the first and only trauma center in Fairfield County.
As a provisional Level III-N Trauma Center, Pickerington Methodist Hospital meets all the capabilities of a Level III trauma center, with the “N” representing specialized care available for neurotrauma patients. This designation guarantees 24-hour availability of surgical services from board-certified or board-eligible neurosurgeons, the ability to manage any category of trauma alert activation and resources to treat most injured patients locally.
"Bringing advanced trauma services to Pickerington and its nearby communities is a significant step forward,” said Thanh Nguyen, DO, medical director of trauma at Pickerington. “In a trauma, every minute matters. Now we have the opportunity for the best outcomes for our patients by providing the chance for lifesaving care close to home.”
Level III-N Trauma Centers offer prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, stabilization and intensive care, while also providing critical support to rural and community hospitals. Trauma centers are classified by their ability to provide care, with Level I offering the highest level and specialized resources. Level II centers provide comprehensive trauma care, while Level III-N centers offer advanced neurotrauma care in addition to the initial management capabilities of a Level III center, bridging the gap between Levels II and III.
In response to the high demand for services since the hospital opened in December 2023, Pickerington expanded its capacity this spring, opening 24 additional inpatient beds on the sixth floor, as well as 12 more beds for patient care in the emergency department. This $12 million project was launched to address the growing needs of the community, reducing emergency department wait times and to minimize the need for patient diversion.
"We've been very busy since opening and are grateful in the trust our community has given us for their care,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, president of OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “With this new provisional trauma designation, we are now even more prepared than ever to serve our patients with a new level of care."
Pickerington Methodist Hospital anticipates receiving full status as a Level III-N Trauma Center by spring of 2026.
