UNC Health Southeastern Advances Trauma Center Plans, Expanding Emergency Care

UNC Health Southeastern Advances Trauma Center Plans, Expanding Emergency Care

Published on September 17, 2026

UNC Health Southeastern is moving forward with plans to establish a Level III Trauma Center, a major initiative expected to expand access to life-saving emergency care while bringing new investments in clinical training, staff development, and trauma resources across Robeson County and the surrounding region.

The health system has completed an extensive trauma development assessment and is now actively implementing the infrastructure, leadership, and clinical programs necessary to pursue state designation. Hospital leaders say the effort represents one of the most significant advancements in emergency care services in the region in recent years.

If successful, the designation would allow more trauma patients to receive specialized care closer to home, reducing the need for transfers and strengthening the entire emergency response system across Robeson County and neighboring communities.

"Our pursuit of Level III Trauma Center designation reflects our commitment to ensuring patients throughout our region have access to high-quality trauma care when every minute matters," said UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO Chris Ellington. "This initiative is about much more than earning a designation. It is about building a sustainable trauma program that improves access, enhances quality, strengthens partnerships with EMS providers, and better serves the healthcare needs of our communities."

A Level III Trauma Center provides advanced trauma care through dedicated trauma teams, around-the-clock surgical coverage, specialized treatment protocols, trauma data reporting, and ongoing quality improvement programs. The designation also requires hospitals to meet rigorous state standards related to staffing, education, patient outcomes, and performance improvement.

Beyond patient care, hospital leaders say the initiative will create long-term investments in workforce development and clinical readiness. Plans include expanded trauma education programs, enhanced simulation-based training opportunities, increased staffing support, development of trauma performance improvement programs, and additional resources dedicated to emergency preparedness and response.

The initiative is expected to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts by creating opportunities for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to practice within a more advanced trauma care environment. Investments in trauma-focused education, skills labs, and simulation training will help ensure caregivers maintain the expertise needed to respond to some of the region's most serious injuries.

"Achieving Level III Trauma designation requires much more than meeting regulatory requirements," said UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Renae Taylor. "It requires highly trained teams, standardized protocols, continuous education, and a commitment to performance improvement. Our nursing and clinical teams are fully engaged in creating a trauma program that delivers exceptional care from the moment a patient arrives."

Taylor said the designation process will help build a culture of readiness throughout the organization while creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary training and clinical collaboration.

The effort is also receiving strong support from local emergency medical services leaders, who say the designation would enhance care for patients injured in motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents, agricultural incidents, and other traumatic events common in a large rural service area.

"For EMS providers, having advanced trauma capabilities available locally means patients can receive definitive care more quickly and closer to home," said Robeson County Emergency Medical Services Director Patrick Cummings. "A Level III Trauma Center strengthens coordination between first responders and hospital teams, improves continuity of care, and enhances the resources available to support patients during critical emergencies. This is an important step forward for the entire emergency response system serving our region."

The hospital's assessment identified several existing strengths that support the effort, including experienced physician leadership, 24/7 emergency medicine coverage, advanced imaging technology, critical care resources, pharmacy support, and strong partnerships with regional EMS agencies.

Current work is focused on strengthening trauma registry operations, enhancing quality improvement processes, refining clinical pathways, expanding program staffing, and ensuring compliance with state trauma requirements. Once foundational elements are completed, the organization will enter a required 12-month operational period during which the trauma program will collect and report data, demonstrate compliance with standards, and prepare for formal review.

Local leaders say the initiative represents an important investment not only in healthcare, but also in economic development and quality of life for the region.

"Access to advanced healthcare services is critical to the strength and growth of our community," said Robeson County Manager Kellie Blue. "A Level III Trauma Center means families will have greater access to specialized emergency care close to home, and it demonstrates continued investment in the health and well-being of our citizens. It will also provide enhanced care to those who are traveling through our county who may need emergency medical assistance. We are proud to support efforts that strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and improve outcomes for residents across and travelers through Robeson County."

According to hospital leaders, planning projections indicate the designation could increase the number of trauma patients treated locally while improving outcomes and decreasing the need for transfers outside the region. The program is also expected to strengthen collaboration among healthcare providers, EMS agencies, local governments, and community partners.

"Trauma is one of the leading causes of serious injury and death and having advanced trauma capabilities close to home can make a meaningful difference for patients and families," Ellington said. "This effort requires significant preparation, collaboration, and investment, but the long-term result will be a stronger regional healthcare system and enhanced care for the people we serve."

For patients, families, and first responders, the goal is straightforward: ensuring that when a serious injury occurs, the right people, training, technology, and resources are available as quickly as possible, closer to home than ever before.