Northwestern Indiana sees need for trauma center

Medical and government officials from northwest Indiana say the area's need for a top-level trauma center is being highlighted by the decision of a nearby hospital to close its center. Leaders of Merrillville-based The Methodist Hospitals and Porter hospital of Valparaiso have discussed starting up a Level 1 trauma center to provide care for seriously injured patients. State Rep. Charlie Brown said he believed leaders needed to take a close look at the issue after the decision by Olympia Fields, IL-based St. James Hospital and Health Centers to cease Level 1 trauma services.