Ten general hospitals in the Worcester area (five within the city) minister to local health care needs, including rehabilitation, long-term and chronic care. The keystone of Worcester's health care system is the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care. A merger between the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and the Medical Center of Central Massachusetts, it is the largest health care network in central and western Massachusetts. It includes the university's medical school, graduate programs, and a tertiary care facility with 783 beds on three campuses. UMass Memorial Medical Center is the region's only Level I trauma center. Four community hospitals are members of the UMass Memorial system. The center's purchase of Two Biotech has allowed the campus to expand its research capabilities and provides a base for its new Cancer Center. The 264,000 square foot Lakeside expansion project will provide new facilities for emergency care, radiology, intensive care, as well as operating space. Other projects include a Cardiac Catheterization Center, a renovated Endoscopy Center, and a Pediatric Infusion Suite, all at the University Campus. A major development at the Memorial Campus is a new Women's Health Center, allowing for centralized treatment at a single location.
In 2000, the downtown Worcester Medical Center opened as a partnership between Saint Vincent Healthcare System and Fallon. The Medical Center has 299 beds in its inpatient area and offers several specialty care centers and outpatient services. Saint Vincent Hospital, a 348-bed acute care hospital located within the Medical Center, has historic roots dating back to 1893.
Health Care Information: UMass Medical Center, Medical Center Library, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655-2397; telephone (508)856-0011