Bringing a Higher Level of Care to the Rio Grande Valley

January 09, 2020
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The team of trauma physicians who provide critical care to those in need.

2019 was a banner year for South Texas Health System. Here are just a few examples and highlights:

Level II trauma care comes to the Upper Valley

South Texas Health System McAllen (STHS McAllen) is proud to be designated as the first and only Level II Trauma Center in Hidalgo County, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for all community members. This Trauma Level II designation, along with its “A” rating for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group, is why more people are choosing STHS McAllen for their healthcare needs.

The hospital sees 33,000 ER visits each year and has a mortality rate lower than both state and national averages.

“The Rio Grande Valley’s regional trauma system has been strengthened by the designation of STHS McAllen as a Level II Trauma Center, and we are not stopping there,” says CEO Todd Mann. “In fact, we are on a journey to become a designated Level I Trauma Center and we appreciate the support of our community and elected officials as we seek that designation. But make no mistake, whether we are a Level I Trauma Center or a Level II Trauma Center, we offer a higher level of care and treatment in the upper valley which has earned us this special designation by the State of Texas and the American College of Surgeons.”

Learn more about trauma care at STHS McAllen →

Freestanding emergency departments recognized

We are proud to announce that the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has awarded South Texas Health System ER Weslaco, South Texas Health System ER Mission, and South Texas Health System ER Monte Cristo with the Freestanding ED Cardiac Care Certificate! We are the first and only ACC-certified freestanding emergency departments in the state of Texas and second in the nation for Cardiac Care.

Texas Health System ER Weslaco celebrates their recognition.

First patient graduates from new inpatient physical rehabilitation unit

Following surgery, Vietnam War Veteran Roberto Vela went through intense therapy at the newly opened facility. He was thrilled that the excellent care he received was close to home, so family members could visit him while he was recuperating.

The new unit boasts 18 beds, treating patients as they recover from strokes, fractures, brain injuries, and other general debilitating conditions, and incredible views of the city of McAllen. Physical rehabilitation nurses provide 24-hour care, and each patient’s therapy plan is customized to his or her needs. Occupational therapists help patients work on activities of daily living, and speech therapists treat those with swallowing and voice and language deficits. Social workers and case managers act as the patient’s healthcare liaison to ensure a smooth transition into and out of rehabilitation.

Vietnam War Veteran Roberto Vela, center, was the first patient to graduate from the new inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Learn more about the inpatient physical rehabilitation unit →

Making the grade — Again

South Texas Health System McAllen, South Texas Health System Edinburg and South Texas Health System Heart were awarded an “A” in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2019 Hospital Safety Grade program. This designation is earned for protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S., according to Leapfrog, a nonprofit hospital watchdog. Leapfrog’s grades are based on U.S. hospital safety data regarding errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

Read more about our Leapfrog grades →

Riding in style

STHS Children’s unveiled a fleet of remote-controlled vehicles that can be operated by patients, with the guidance of nursing staff, on their way to surgery. The vehicles provide a distraction for the young patients as they prepare to enter the surgery suite, and helps ease their anxiety while in the hospital.

Young patients get ready to make their way to the surgery suite in style.

Learn more about child life services →