A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Hospital Authority to examine the feasibility of obtaining a Level II trauma center designation for General Hospital at Meharry.

WHEREAS, General Hospital has been meeting the healthcare needs of Nashville residents for 115 years; and

WHEREAS, the mission of General Hospital at Meharry is to provide excellent health care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, General Hospital currently operates an emergency facility that is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, which “provides immediate treatment and lifesaving procedures and stabilization of all types of medical, surgical, obstetrical and pediatric emergencies”; and

WHEREAS, Vanderbilt University Hospital is currently the only major trauma center in the Nashville area; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Health has adopted rules and regulations pertaining to the licensing of trauma centers in the state, and the requirements for designation as a Level I, Level II or Level III trauma center; and

WHEREAS, Level II trauma centers must, in part, provide cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, neurologic surgery, and orthopaedic surgery, but are not required to have surgical specialists in house 24 hours a day; and

WHEREAS, General Hospital at Meharry is currently working to increase the number of patients receiving services at the hospital in an effort to reduce the required operating subsidy provided by the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, being designated as a Level II trauma center would likely increase the number of patients at General Hospital and would enhance the hospital’s reputation as a wonderful place to receive healthcare services in Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Hospital Authority to examine the feasibility of obtaining a Level II trauma center designation for General Hospital at Meharry.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Dr. Reginald Coopwood, the CEO of the Metropolitan Hospital Authority, and to each member of the Metropolitan Hospital Authority Board.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Hospital Authority is further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than ninety (90) days after the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel, Brenda Gilmore, Billy Walls, Vivian Wilhoite