A Level III Trauma Centre is a hospital equipped to provide
care for patients with serious injuries involving one body system (such as
internal injuries or broken bones). It can also stabilize patients with more
complex, multi-system trauma and coordinate a safe transfer to a Lead Trauma
Hospital for specialized care, such as neurosurgery or vascular surgery. The
Lead Trauma Hospitals for our region are The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s
Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Level III Trauma Centres provide high-quality,
evidence-based care for trauma patients. They follow best practices, maintain a
dedicated trauma leadership team, offer continuous education and training to
staff, and collaborate with regional trauma centres. They are also responsible
for collecting and analyzing data to improve outcomes and participating in
injury prevention and public education efforts.
Designating Level III Trauma Centres improves coordination
across the provincial trauma system. It ensures patients receive the right
care, at the right time, in the right place—whether locally or through transfer
to a more specialized centre. It also supports quality improvement, staff
development, and better long-term outcomes through shared data and best
practices.
Cornwall Community Hospital was designated a Level III
Trauma Centre because of our ability to deliver excellent trauma care,
stabilize complex cases, and transfer patients safely when needed. We have a
multi-disciplinary team and a dedicated trauma leadership group that guides our
protocols, tracks performance through the Ontario Trauma Registry, and drives
continuous improvement in care.
It means enhanced access to expert trauma care, right here
at home. Patients in Eastern Ontario can receive the right level of care when
and where they need it most, leading to better outcomes and a more coordinated
experience. It also brings new training opportunities for staff, data-driven
quality improvements, and expanded injury prevention programs like “Stop the
Bleed” and community safety campaigns on falls, motor vehicle injuries, and
sports safety.