U of Chicago Medicine gets final approval for trauma center

CHICAGO (AP) - University of Chicago Medicine has received the final go-ahead to open an adult trauma center on Chicago's South Side, which hasn't had one for more than 25 years.

The health system said Monday that it will launch service 8 a.m. May 1. An Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman said Monday that the agency last week issued a notification officially approving the university's trauma center after a survey of the facility.

The hospital will have the specialized staff and equipment to treat patients who suffer traumatic injuries from vehicle crashes, gunshot wounds, burns and falls.

Community activists have been pushing for years for adult trauma care on Chicago's South Side. The area hasn't had such care since 1991 when Michael Reese Hospital in the Bronzeville neighborhood closed its trauma center.