Healthcare Milestone: Sunrise Hospital Officially Designated as Nevada’s Newest Level I Trauma Center

LAS VEGAS, NV — In a landmark decision for Southern Nevada’s medical infrastructure, Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center has been officially designated as a Level I Trauma Center by the State of Nevada, marking the highest level of trauma certification achievable.

The designation, announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, ends a years-long effort by the hospital to elevate its status from a Level II center, a position it has held since 2005. This milestone makes Sunrise the second hospital in the valley—joining University Medical Center (UMC)—capable of providing the most comprehensive, specialized care for the most critically injured patients.

What This Means for Southern Nevada

A Level I designation is more than just a title; it signifies that Sunrise Hospital now meets rigorous state and national standards for trauma care, research, and surgical availability.

Key requirements for Level I status include:

24/7 Availability: Immediate on-site access to specialized surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Research and Education: A mandate to conduct trauma research and serve as a teaching facility for the next generation of medical professionals.
Volume and Variety: The ability to treat a high volume of severely injured patients with a wide array of specialized equipment.

“Level I Trauma Center designation reflects the highest standard of care and ensures that communities in Southern Nevada have access to lifesaving services when they need them most,” said Governor Joe Lombardo in a statement following the announcement.

The Path to Level I

The upgrade follows a favorable court ruling in March 2026, which settled a long-standing dispute regarding the necessity of a second Level I center in the region. Supporters of the upgrade have long argued that as Las Vegas continues to grow and host massive international events, the need for redundant, high-level trauma capacity is essential for public safety and disaster response.

For Sunrise Hospital, which played a pivotal role in the emergency response to the October 1 mass shooting, the Level I status is seen as a formal recognition of the advanced capabilities the facility has been developing for decades.

Source: Sunrise Health System Newsroom / Las Vegas Today