By Sigourney Nuñez
The Ventura County Star
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Water bottles, cups of coffee and raised hands came together for a toast Thursday to celebrate the opening of a trauma care system at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.
“Let’s give a toast to east Ventura County’s first trauma center,” said Greg Angle, president and CEO of Los Robles. “May we serve our community with skill, dedication and passion.” As of noon Thursday, the center was ready to accept trauma patients as an officially designated trauma center, said Kris Carraway-Bowman, director of marketing and public relations at the hospital.
Residents from Simi Valley, Moorpark or the Conejo Valley who suffer severe injuries that need special care or immediate surgery, such as multiple fractures in car accidents or gunshot wounds, will be rushed to the trauma center. Even if the person is closer to another hospital, ambulances will take them directly to Los Robles.
The Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura was named the west county trauma center and will begin operating as such on July 12.
“We’re so excited to be able to be part of this process; it will raise the level of care for the citizens of the area,” said Dr. Lynn Tadlock, director of the ER at Los Robles.
Dr. Angelo Salvucci, medical director for Ventura County Emergency Medical Services, was recognized for his efforts in helping to create the trauma system process.
“This is the proudest of all days for me; today we’re here to celebrate the next step to treating trauma. In many ways this is the beginning, not the end, of our efforts,” he said.
He added that one of the goals for the center is to learn about the causes of trauma injuries, so they can ultimately prevent them.
Salvucci was given the title ‘King of Trauma” at the ceremony and was presented with a gold glitter-covered plunger for a scepter and a royal robe.
Chief of staff at Los Robles hospital, Dr. Hannah Grossman, thanked the hospital’s trauma team along with the people behind the scenes who pulled together to make the trauma center possible.
“This staff is remarkable,” said Grossman, who has worked at the hospital for 25 years.
Representatives from the Ventura County Search and Rescue team, Ventura College paramedic program, Ventura County Emergency Medical Services, the hospital’s board of trustees, and council members and staff from the cities of Westlake Village, Moorpark and Thousand Oaks attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Everyone is here because each of you has played an integral part in bringing this moment to fruition ... without your support, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” Angle said.
He added it was important to recognize that the facility is there to care for the county and its residents.
“To everyone that came together to put this together, a heartfelt thank you and congratulations,” said Dennis Gillette, Thousand Oaks mayor.
Copyright 2010 Ventura County Star