JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) officially opened a dedicated burn unit inside Batson Tower. 

This marks a major expansion of the Mississippi Burn Center at UMMC, which was designated as a state burn center by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) in 2023.

Spanning 9,000 square feet, UMMC officials said the area includes eight patient rooms, a hydrotherapy room for wound debridement and a rehabilitation gym to support physical and occupational therapy. 

According to UMMC, the unit includes a specialized hydrotherapy room for wound debridement to support healing, minimizing the need for trips to the operating room. When surgery is needed, patients can access OR suites in the same tower, minimizing transport time and improving continuity of care. 

“The rooms are larger, which gives us the space we need for dressing changes and other procedures right in the patient’s room,” said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs. “Cohorting burn patients is the standard we prefer because they are prone to specific types of infections. When they’re comingling with other patients, they’re more vulnerable. So, it allows us to keep them more isolated and protected.” 

Plans are also underway to launch tele-burn consultations.