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Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026

Fact brief: Is JPS Hospital the only Level I trauma center in Fort Worth?

Ismael M. Belkoura, Fort Worth Report
no

John Peter Smith Hospital is not the only Level I trauma center in Fort Worth.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth was the second hospital in the city to receive the national designation in 2023. JPS Hospital first received the designation in 2009. 

There are 22 hospitals in Texas with the designation.

Level I trauma centers must admit at least 1,200 trauma patients yearly. The hospitals must provide comprehensive trauma care for all injuries and have local roles in disaster planning and trauma care research. 

A hospital must seek recertification for the Level I designation every three years from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine, Medical City Arlington and Cook Children’s Medical Center are the Level II trauma centers in Tarrant County.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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