Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center earns national re-verification

The Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center – Valleywise Health has once again earned national re-verification as an adult and pediatric burn center by the American Burn Association (ABA), reaffirming its commitment to top-tier patient care. Established in 1965, it remains Arizona’s only nationally verified burn center and one of the busiest in the United States.

The Burn Center has maintained continuous verification since its initial ABA survey in 2000, meeting the stringent standards set by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma. The re-verification process, conducted every three years, ensures that burn centers provide comprehensive care, maintain institutional excellence, and uphold the highest standards in patient outcomes and performance.

This marks the first verification at its new state-of-the-art location within the 10-story Valleywise Health Medical Center in Phoenix. Occupying the entire fourth floor, the center includes 16 ICU beds, 24 adult acute care beds, 10 pediatric acute care beds, dedicated pediatric and teen playrooms, and a therapy area for physical and occupational rehabilitation. 

Recognition of excellence in burn care

“It’s a validation of the work that we do and the exceptional care we provide for our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Foster, Burn Center director. “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.”

Valleywise Health President and CEO Steve Purves praised the achievement, emphasizing the Burn Center’s importance beyond Arizona’s borders.

“We are proud of Dr. Foster and the entire burn team for this achievement,” Purves said. “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.”

A leader in burn treatment and training

Each year, the Burn Center treats more than 8,000 patients, offering specialized care for thermal burns, electrical burns, lightning injuries, contact burns, and soft tissue diseases. The facility integrates inpatient and outpatient services in a single location, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

Beyond patient care, the Burn Center is also a verified Burn Fellowship Program, training future burn surgeons. It provides education and training for medical residents, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, firefighters, EMTs, armed services personnel, and other healthcare professionals.