San Jose hospital reverses course on trauma center closure [Video]

In an about-face, a hospital in the South Bay now says it will not close its trauma center after all. When the closure plans at Regional Medical Center were announced back in March, it prompted months of protests. But on Friday, community leaders say they’re still not taking a “victory lap” over the latest announcement. 

Regional Medical Center is one of three trauma centers in Santa Clara County currently operating with what is called a “level 2” capability. In March, the hospital announced it would be completely closing the trauma center later this summer. On Friday, the hospital announced the trauma center will, in fact, remain open but at a downgraded “level 3” capacity.

“I don’t think this community’s needs are met by level 3. This is a big downgrade, a big downgrade. This should not happen,” said Dr. Raj Gupta, a neurologist who practices at Regional Medical Center. 

In a statement, …