While appealing the state’s decision to close its Trauma Center, Orange Park Medical wants you to know the Emergency Room remains open.

“There was some misunderstanding and implications that might have led people to believe that it was closed when, in fact, we are open and fully functioning,” says Public Relations Director David Goldberg.

In a statement released by the hospital today, the distinction is drawn.  The release says the emergency room treats more common illness and injury, whereas the trauma center handles the most severe, life threatening injuries- like gunshot wounds.

Goldberg says they handled about 3 trauma calls per day while the center was open, and they are still capable of handling extreme cases- as any emergency room is.

“We want to be able to treat those who need our service,” he says.

Anyone designated for trauma while being transported to a hospital, however, will be diverted to another hospital.  Goldberg says that could mean travel time patients don’t have.

“This really affects so many lives,” he says.

Orange Park Medical is appealing the state’s decision to close its trauma center.