Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Trauma Services has successfully met the criteria established by the American College of Surgeons to be an ACS verified Level III Trauma Center. During the verification process, OHRH met the criteria put forth by the ACS demonstrating the quality of the hospital’s processes when caring for a trauma patient.
Mike Mixson, Director of Trauma Services, said the team had a 16-month preparation plan, 100% dedication from all trauma services staff, and full focus on every aspect of trauma care to meet the required criteria. This means focusing on the entire continuum of care: prehospital to post-rehabilitation, including injury prevention.
“Improving the care we provide all trauma patients through processes and clinical practice is always the goal,” Mixson said. “This national verification validates excellence in those processes and practices.”
“We are all very happy that the work within each department in the hospital that supports trauma services shows the strong processes and exemplary care we provide our trauma patients,” he said. “We are also humbled and honored to have three “best practices” identified and recognized in our program.”
Being designated and verified as a Trauma Center ensures the community that the clinical practices and processes of care for seriously injured patients meet or exceed national standards.
According to the American Trauma Society:
A Level III Trauma Center has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations.
Elements of Level III Trauma Centers Include:
- 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists.
- Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program.
- Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center.
- Provides back-up care for rural and community hospitals.
- Offers continued education of the nursing and allied health personnel or the trauma team.
- Involved with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities.
