Three years after it opened its doors, Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center is expanding its medical services by opening a new neurosurgery department -- the only such program -- in Solano County.
Dr. Kaveh Barami, who joined Kaiser Permanente Vacaville in September, is the first neurosurgeon in Solano County in 20 years. Two additional neurosurgeons are joining the department in the very near future and will practice at the hospital. Dr. Barami is already seeing patients in Vacaville and will soon be performing procedures such as laminectomies (surgery on the spine to remove part of the vertebrae) with lumbar fusions and craniotomies (surgery on the skull that involves the cranium) to follow.
Dr. Barami, 47, received his medical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and recently completed his fellowship in complex spine surgery at Kaiser Permanente’s Oakland Medical Center. He has also completed a fellowship in neuro-oncology.
Find out what's happening in Dixonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center was designed to provide a wide range of medical services for our members and the community, and our new Neurosurgery Department is an important new service for Solano County particularly as we continue to expand our trauma program,” he said.
According to Dr. Steven Stricker, physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente Napa/Solano, the addition of neurological services in Vacaville will benefit inpatient care and trauma care.
Find out what's happening in Dixonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Neurosurgeons are able to understand the often complex symptoms of head injuries and the nerve damage that can be associated along the neck and spine. The expertise that Dr. Barami brings to not only our inpatient setting, but to our growing trauma program, will make a tremendous difference for our members and the entire community.”
With county approval, Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center’s goal is to grow from its current status as a Level III Trauma Center to a Level II center, providing more complex care, including neurological care, for all of Solano County and adjoining geographic areas. Neurosurgical capabilities are the primary difference between Level III and Level II trauma care.
“Designation as a Level II Trauma Center would mean that most seriously injured patients will be much less likely to be transported outside the county for the care they urgently need,” said Dr. Stricker. “And adding neurosurgical capabilities means that we are even better prepared to care for injured patients when the time comes.”
According to Dr. Stricker, having a neurosurgery program at Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center will help save lives.
“About 1,000 injured people each year, whether Solano County residents or those traveling along I-80, have to be urgently transported to either Sacramento or Walnut Creek for treatment. When it comes to the most seriously injured Level II patients, the time it takes to get them the most appropriate treatment could literally mean the difference between life and death. Our emergency department and trauma center are open to everyone who needs us, members and non-members alike.”
Vacaville Fire Department Battalion Chief John Jensen says he has responded to scenes where he knew the services of a neurosurgeon were needed immediately.
“I have often been concerned about the fates of victims suffering from trauma who needed a neurosurgeon right away. If traffic is heavy and the injury is severe, the outcome is often not a good one.
“It is amazing to realize that just two years ago, there were no trauma services here at all,” said Jensen. “Being able to offer a neurosurgical team in addition to all the other trauma treatment now offered will mean so much to those who need every minute and second to be seen by a neurosurgeon.”
“There is an energy here at the Vacaville medical center,” said Dr. Barami. “Everyone is excited about neurosurgery and our growing trauma center. That is what I really enjoy so far…that Kaiser Permanente puts the patient first.”
Fore more information, visit kp.org/napasolano