LOUISVILLE, Ky. – 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 Gov. 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. This is the first verified burn center in Kentucky, and 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.
“The incredibly hard-working men and women of UofL Health do so much to keep our community healthy and this certification is not only well-earned but a real testament to the care they provide and the professionalism with which they provide it,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Louisville is safer and stronger because of their commitment to treating those in need and we are incredibly proud of this certification and grateful for the outstanding care we know it reflects.”
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 U.S. and Kentucky,” said Matthew Bozeman, M.D., 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, as well as 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 numerous community prevention programs.
“Ensuring world-class care for those with burn injuries is part of our ongoing commitment as Kentucky’s largest academic health system,” said Tom Miller, CEO of UofL Health. “Verification by the American Burn Association puts UofL Hospital among an elite group of burn centers across the country. I’d like to congratulate the entire team for their dedication to this distinction.”
In addition to the verified clinical care, the Burn Center helps facilitate a trauma peer support group, along with educational programs to share burn expertise with first responders and burn prevention programs for adolescents.
For more information on the Burn Center, go to UofLHealth.org/Services/Burn-Center/.
Additional media coverage:
- UofL Hospital designated Kentucky’s first verified burn center (WLKY)
- UofL Health facility becomes first verified burn center in Kentucky (WDRD)
- UofL Hospital designated as Kentucky’s first verified burn center (Spectrum)
- Louisville hospital designated as Kentucky’s first ‘verified burn center’ (WHAS)
- UofL Hospital becomes Kentucky’s first verified burn center (WAVE)
- UofL Hospital earns recognition for high standards of burn care (Kentucky Lantern)
