USA Health University Hospital cut the ribbon Friday on its enlarged and refurbished trauma center — the Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital — which is the only Level 1 trauma center in the Gulf Coast region.
The Fanny Meisler Trauma Center is approximately 27,000 square feet, nearly triple the amount of space in the current University Hospital emergency department. The center has 38 examination rooms and three trauma bays. To increase efficiency, CT and X-ray imaging are located within the center.
“By more than doubling the size of the emergency department and trauma center, USA Health is increasing its ability to meet the healthcare needs of the people in our community,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, University of South Alabama vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “This new facility is a reflection of the advanced, high quality healthcare that our emergency and trauma healthcare providers deliver to our region.”
The center’s namesake is the late wife of Mobile philanthropist Bert Meisler, who donated $5 million toward the project. “It is an honor to have the Meisler name attached to a facility that is a symbol of hope and care for so many in our community and throughout the region,” Meisler said.
The State of Alabama also contributed $4 million to the project via an economic development bond issue.
“The impact of high-quality, highly specialized healthcare as it relates to economic growth in a community, cannot be underestimated,” Gov. Kay Ivey said at the ribbon cutting. High quality health care is important for a healthy and educated population, and for attracting businesses and the people to work for them, she added.
White-Spunner Construction served as the general contractor on the $20 million project. HOAR Construction was construction manager and Caldwell Associates was the architectural firm for the project.
