For Immediate Release: Oct. 21, 2011

Grady's Marcus Trauma Center Set to Open

Expansion of Level 1 Facilities Increases Capacity for Top Trauma Care

Contact: Jennie Olshaske
Phone: (404) 616-7084
E-mail: jolshaske@gmh.edu

Grady Memorial Hospital's new Marcus Trauma Center was unveiled today in a ceremony marking the completion of the renovation and expansion of Atlanta's premier Level 1 Trauma Center. Hospital benefactor Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot and chairman of The Marcus Foundation, joined health system officials and local dignitaries for a tour of the state of the art facility.

"Grady has always been the first name in trauma care in the region," says John Haupert, CEO, Grady Health System. "The Marcus Trauma Center will enable us to continue delivering that high level of patient care while allowing for growth in services, education and research. Combined with the state-of-the-art Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, Grady is truly the leader in providing care for time-dependent, traumatic emergencies."

The $7 million Marcus Trauma Center project increases the number of major trauma bays from four to seven and adds eight minor to moderate trauma rooms. In addition, the expansion allows for the treatment of up to 16 patients, two per trauma bay, in a mass casualty situation should the need arise. Grady's emergency room is on track for nearly 105,000 visits this year, and receives about 3,000 major trauma cases annually.

"The Marcus Trauma Center is a testament to the potential of public/private partnerships and the confidence our community and its leaders, like Mr. Marcus, have in the future of Grady Memorial Hospital," says Lisa Borders, President, Grady Health Foundation. "Mr. Marcus' support of Grady positions us to continue delivering the life-saving care we are known for in a cutting edge facility that not only serves our health system, but the health systems where our patients recover and rehabilitate."

The Marcus Foundation donated $20 million to Grady in 2009 to improve emergency care to trauma and acute neurological injury victims. The money was used to create the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, which opened in March of 2010, and the Marcus Trauma Center, which is scheduled to receive its first patient in November.

"Grady is a tremendous asset to this community," says Bernie Marcus, Chairman, The Marcus Foundation. "It is for the good of all citizens, hospitals and services that Grady remain the premier Level 1 Trauma Center in the region and is able to respond to increasing demand with the most up-to-date facilities and technologically advanced equipment to go with its highly skilled medical personnel."

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Department and Burn Center, Grady has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady as well.

The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, Grady Diabetes Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Avon Breast Health Center are also notable components of the health system. Additionally, Grady's Ponce de Leon Center was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other key services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, dedicated 60 Plus services for older adults, Teen Services, and the Rape Crisis Center. Nationally ranked in one specialty, Grady was named one of Atlanta's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

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