Celebrating Six Decades of Exceptional Care at the Arizona Burn Center

Celebrating 60 Years of Life-saving Care at the Arizona Burn Center

Valleywise Health's Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center marks an important milestone this year as it celebrates six decades of dedicated service to burn victims. Established in 1965, the center started its journey in a mere five-bed unit at the original Maricopa County General Hospital. Over the years, it has evolved dramatically, now boasting 50 beds and ranking amongst the busiest burn treatment facilities in the United States, with a remarkable 98% survival rate.

The center's growth and expansion reflect not only its commitment to the health and well-being of its patients but also its central role within the community it serves. This growth has been recognized with continual verification as an adult and pediatric burn center by the American Burn Association since its first survey in 2000. Such designations affirm the high level of care that both patients and their families have come to expect and trust at the facility.

In June 2024, the center relocated to an expanded space, nearly tripling in size in the newly constructed Valleywise Health Medical Center. This modern facility now occupies the entire fourth floor, further enhancing its capacity to serve the increasing number of burn victims. Each year, the burn center provides care to approximately 1,500 inpatients and attends to around 12,000 outpatient cases. Although many of these cases deal with minor injuries, the center’s resources are critical for treating severe burn cases across not only Phoenix and Maricopa County but also for much of Arizona and the Southwestern United States.

"We are the resource for burn injuries not just for Phoenix, but for the entire state and beyond," stated Dr. Kevin Foster, the burn center's director. He emphasized that the comprehensive care provided by the facility extends beyond basic survival, focusing increasingly on enhancing the quality of life for burn survivors. This philosophy aligns with the modern approach in burn care, where the emphasis is on rehabilitation and recovery.

The team at the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center encompasses a diverse range of professionals—including surgeons, nurses, wound care technicians, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, and social workers—each contributing critical expertise to the holistic treatment of patients. The collaborative efforts of this multidisciplinary team are vital in ensuring patients receive care tailored to their individual needs, from the initial injury through recovery and beyond.

In January of this year, the center was pivotal in treating six patients affected by a fireworks explosion in Hawaii, further showcasing its reputation as a national referral center for serious burn injuries.

As the burn center celebrates its 60th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of hope and recovery for those affected by devastating injuries, underlining its commitment to not just save lives but to restore them. The center is designed to meet the evolving needs of burn survivors, reinforcing Valleywise Health's promise to provide exceptional care without exception. For more information about its services, you can visit ValleywiseHealth.org/Burn.

About Valleywise Health
With a legacy spanning 147 years, Valleywise Health operates numerous locations throughout Maricopa County, serving one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country. Its facilities include one of the nation’s foremost public teaching hospitals and the largest HIV primary care center in Arizona. The comprehensive system features a state-of-the-art acute care hospital, including the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center and Level I Trauma capabilities, along with three behavioral health hospitals and 11 community health centers dedicated to serving the health needs of the community.

Valleywise Health's mission remains rooted in providing exceptional healthcare—without exception, every patient, every time.