The Medical Center of Plano held a grand opening Oct. 22 for its new Burn and Reconstructive Center of Texas, which is located within the hospital. The center is the first burn unit in Collin County, the second dedicated burn unit in North Texas, and will serve patients from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico.

The effort is a partnership with the JMS Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, which is considered a pioneer in burn center treatment. Dr. Salil Gulati, the center’s medical director, will oversee a team of doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, and psychologists.

“The burn center has taken off to a great start. We have seen over 45 patients, both inpatient and outpatient,” said Sue Vanek, director of burn services. “The patients have had great outcomes and seem extremely happy when they return for clinic visits.”

Prior to the opening of the Burn and Reconstructive Center of Texas, Parkland Memorial Hospital was the region’s only dedicated burn unit. The $10 million, 20,000-square-foot addition at The Medical Center of Plano includes a specially equipped trauma room, two operating rooms, an eight-bed intensive care unit, a specialized whirlpools and a six-room outpatient burn clinic.

“Specialized burn care complements our trauma program and places The Medical Center of Plano at the pinnacle of emergency care,” said Charles Gressle, CEO of The Medical Center of Plano, in a news release. “For us, it’s symbolic that we can handle any and every need of all our patients.”

The operating rooms and ICU at the burn center also have special climate controls to regulate temperature and humidity for burn patients.

“Our skin allows us to auto-regulate our body temperature. For burn-injured patients, this self-protective mechanism is no longer there,” Vanek said. “It is important to be able to control the room temperature and humidity levels when caring for these patients.”

The hospital is also the only Level II trauma center in Collin County. It is currently pursuing its Level I status, which will enable the medical center to provide the highest level of trauma care. The hospital is expected to receive its accreditation in July.

In March, the medical center announced its new partnership with PHI Air Medical, supplying PHI with plasma and blood products for placement on four of its North Texas Helicopters. The hospital also has plans to add a third helicopter landing pad.