Puerto Rico Poised for Breakthrough in Emergency Care with New Trauma Center

San Juan, Puerto Rico – A new era of emergency medical care is on the horizon for Puerto Rico, as plans for a cutting-edge Level 1 Trauma Center in San Juan move forward. The $140 million project, funded entirely through federal resources, aims to address critical gaps in the island’s healthcare infrastructure and provide a facility capable of handling the most severe and complex trauma cases.

Currently, Puerto Rico lacks a hospital certified as a Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons – a designation signifying the highest level of surgical care and comprehensive trauma services. According to the American Trauma Society, Level 1 facilities must demonstrate the ability to provide total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation.

A Modern Facility Designed for Resilience

Governor Jenniffer González unveiled the redesigned plans for the 226,000 square-foot, 10-story facility, which will be located within the Centro Médico area, partially on the site of the Pedro Arzuaga Beraza plaza. The center will feature 110 private rooms, with the flexibility to double capacity during emergencies.

“This hospital has been serving the people of Puerto Rico for decades with structural limitations,” Governor González stated. “We have decided, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and the director of ASEM, to redesign and conceptualize a new Trauma Hospital that meets not only federal and industry standards, but also addresses the realities of the people of Puerto Rico.”

The design prioritizes both functionality and resilience. Key features include:

• Dedicated Emergency Department: A state-of-the-art emergency room with a 52-seat waiting area and capacity to receive seven ambulances simultaneously.
• 20-Bed ICU: An intensive care unit with 20 rooms equipped for isolation.
• Helipad: A rooftop helipad capable of accommodating larger helicopters, crucial for rapid transport of patients from across the island.
• Rehabilitation Center: A dedicated area for physical rehabilitation and intermediate care.
• Disaster Control Center: A centralized hub for managing disaster response and operational monitoring.
• Resilient Infrastructure: Ramps throughout the building to facilitate the transport of patients on stretchers from all floors.

Progress Towards Level 1 Certification

Dr. Víctor Ramos, the Secretary of Health, highlighted the significant progress made towards achieving Level 1 Trauma Center certification. “We have already met 70% of the over 100 requirements set by the American College of Surgeons, a substantial increase from the 20% compliance rate with the previous design,” he explained.

Dr. Regino Colón Alsina, director of ASEM (Administración de Servicios Médicos), emphasized the transformative nature of the project. “We have never had a building constructed specifically for this purpose. Existing trauma care was adapted from other areas of the hospital. This structure will not only provide the physical space to deliver trauma care at the highest levels, but will also be functional for clinical staff and patients.”

Phased Construction and Future Outlook

Construction is slated to begin in the final quarter of 2026, with a phased approach to ensure operational capabilities as each stage is completed. The first two floors, including the stabilization unit and emergency department, are expected to be operational by 2028.

While a definitive completion date for the entire project remains undetermined, the new Trauma Center represents a major investment in the health and well-being of Puerto Rico’s citizens, promising a more robust and responsive emergency medical system for years to come.