LOUISVILLE Joining a select group of specialized centers across the country, UofL Health – UofL Hospital – Burn Center has achieved verification by the American Burn Association (ABA). This new mark of distinction further validates the high-quality patient care provided to burn patients from their time of injury through rehabilitation. The Burn Center at UofL Hospital becomes Kentucky’s first verified burn center.
“Every Kentuckian deserves quality care during their moments of need, which is why I have made health care a top priority as Governor,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “Thankfully, we have committed partners like UofL Health, which is taking yet another step forward today with the new state-of-the-art Burn Center. I know it will better serve our people and help them get the care they deserve.”
UofL Hospital’s commitment to burn patients and burn prevention dates back nearly 40 years. Since 1984, the hospital has been operating Kentucky’s only burn center. The multidisciplinary team’s expertise includes specialized care for chemical, electrical, flame/ thermal, and scald burns, as well as complex wounds and skin conditions.
Verification of the Burn Center follows a rigorous review that included an in-depth site visit by members of the ABA Verification Committee and senior ABA members. A written report was then reviewed by the entire ABA Verification Committee and by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma.
“Burns remain a leading cause of injury in the US and Kentucky,” said Matthew Bozeman, MD, medical director for the Burn Center. “No two burns are alike. They vary in degree, depth and the area impacted. That’s why a team specialized in the complex care is so important.”
The Burn Center includes a state-of-the-art 16-bed unit equipped with individual temperature and humidity controls and heat lamps, essential for customizing the climate for burn patients. The specially-trained burn team includes nurses and physicians, along with rehabilitation specialists in speech, physical and occupational therapy. The team also has support from the social services, psychiatry, and nutrition departments and the hospital chaplaincy.
“Verification of the Burn Center is significant,” said Michelle Broers, PT, DPT, CWS, FACCWS, manager of the Burn Center at UofL Hospital. “It validates the expertise and care we provide each patient. Our goal is to leverage all our technology, knowledge, and compassion to help each patient return to their prior level of function.”
The Burn Center serves a regional area with patients coming from across Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. In 2022, the Burn Center treated more than 250 patients, had 1,150 outpatient visits and hosted many community prevention programs.
In addition to the verified clinical care, the Burn Center facilitates a trauma peer support group with educational programs to share burn expertise with first responders and burn prevention programs for adolescents.