Maryland breaks ground on new trauma center
If you've suffered serious trauma in an accident in the greater Baltimore area, there's a strong likelihood you'll be taken to Maryland Shock Trauma. About 8,000 people a year go to Maryland, and officials say it's time to expand.
The University of Maryland Medical Center plans a groundbreaking ceremony today at 10 a.m. for its new $160 million building.
The nine-story tower, at Penn and Lombard streets, will significantly expand the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. It will add capacity to the adult and pediatric emergency departments and to intensive care.
To pay for the growth, Maryland will also launch a major fundraising campaign with Cal Ripken, Jr. serving as honorary chairman.
The current Shock Trauma building is 20 years old. The new tower, scheduled to be completed in 2013, will be 140,000 square feet and house 10 high-tech operating rooms and 64 new and replacement critical care beds. It will connect to the existing building.
Artist's rendering courtesy of the University of Maryland Medical Center
