The medical center is a part of the SSM Health System and is affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

[2] SLUH features an ACS designated adult Level 1 Trauma Center[3] and has a helipad to handle medevac patients.

[6] In February 1930, St. Louis University received a $1 million bequest ($13 million in 2010 dollars) from the estate of Firmin Vincent Desloge[7] a member of the Desloge Family in America, who provided in his will, funds for a hospital to serve St. Louis University and to replace the old St. Mary's Hospital, both in St.

Various media reported that the options under consideration include demolishing the 1933 hospital tower; SSM officials say they have not ruled that out.

"[19] The executive director also asserted that the building would be "considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and classified as "High Merit" under the terms of the St. Louis City Preservation Ordinance (64689)".

[22][23] Desloge and Landmarks Association of St. Louis director Andrew Weil say this would eliminate the financial burden on SSM.

[26] "A representative of SSM Health stated that while no decision has been finalized, it is “highly likely” that 15-story French Gothic Revival Desloge tower will be converted to office space".