The Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health has been re-verified as an adult and pediatric burn center by the American Burn Association, indicating the highest level of patient care. 

Founded in 1965, the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center is the only nationally verified burn center in Arizona and one of the busiest in the country, according to a press release

The burn center has achieved continual verification since its first ABA survey in 2000, and the process occurs every three years.

Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the burn center, said in the release that this verification validate that work that they do and the care they provide patients.

“It’s a team effort to take care of a burn patient, so this is recognition of the entire burn team, including District Medical Group physicians,” Foster said. 

This is the first verification of the burn center in its new location inside the 10-story Valleywise Health Medical Center in Phoenix. 

Valleywise Health's 10-story medical center in Phoenix.

Courtesy Valleywise Health

The facility encompasses the entire fourth floor and includes 16 ICU beds, 24 adult acute care beds, 10 pediatric acute care beds, playrooms for young children and teens with burn injuries and a large wellness are for physical and occupational therapy, the release noted.

Verified burn centers must meet a series of stringent criteria that ensure burn care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma. The Burn Center also is verified as a Burn Fellowship Program to train the next generation of burn surgeons.

Steve Purves, Valleywise Health president and CEO, said in the release that they are proud of Foster and the burn team for this achievement.

“The burn center is not only a cornerstone of Valleywise Health Medical Center, it is also an important service for burn patients from throughout Arizona and surrounding states,” Purves said. 

The burn center’s team has the experience and expertise to treat all types of burns regardless of how severe and complex, the release stated The team treats a wide variety of burns and skin conditions, including thermal burns, electrical burns, contact burns, lightning injuries, and soft tissue diseases.

The center offers inpatient and outpatient services in the same location, including physical and occupational therapy. More than 8,000 burn victims are cared for annually, according to the release.

The center also provides education to learners at all levels, including residents in training, medical, therapy, nursing, and pharmacy students, firefighters, EMTs, armed services personnel, and many others.