King County trauma center, Harborview, to offer care in community clinics



SEATTLE (AP) — King County's regional trauma center will be offering health care in community clinics under a new 10-year agreement announced Monday.


The board of the Harborview Medical Center has signed an agreement with the University of Washington and King County to take its services outside the walls of the Seattle hospital.

King County has contracted with the University of Washington to operate its county hospital for the past 45 years.

Harborview is the only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center in a four-state region. But it is also the King County hospital that provides care to people who can't afford to pay for it.

County officials say the new agreement will keep Harborview working in both directions.

Last year, Harborview admitted more than 17,000 patients, had nearly 250,000 outpatient visits, and more than 62,000 emergency room visits. Harborview provided $60 million in charity care.