CAMC'S TRAUMA STATUS COULD RETURN - Plan Expected To Be Announced

(09/25/2002)
Charleston Area Medical Center's trauma I center could be back in operation as early as next week, according to CAMC officials. Gov. Bob Wise could make an announcement today.

During the past several weeks, trauma victims have been transported greater distances by chopper or ambulance to receive specialty care, to Morgantown, Huntington or Lexington, Kentucky.

CAMC was downgraded from a level I center to a level III center last month, the hospital is suffering from staffing problems.

Part of the plan proposed by Gov. Wise is to insure the hospital's physicians through a state run insurance program.