Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital recently was designated a Level IV trauma hospital by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The hospital joins Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital and Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital as Level IV facilities and Munson Medical Center as a Level II facility.
The three-year designation follows an onsite visit from state surveyors in November, an extensive application, and a two-year training process at the hospital. The designation reflects the hospital’s demonstrated ability to provide gold-standard quality care to patients who arrive at the hospital with injuries.
“We are thankful that the state recognizes the quality of trauma care available at the hospital,” said Peter Marinoff, president of the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. “This designation means that our residents and visitors can rest assured knowing this hospital is part of a regional, coordinated, and accountable trauma care network that is available should they or a loved one require care.”
A Level IV trauma verification means 24-hour emergency coverage by a physician or mid-level provider who has Advanced Trauma Life Support certification as well as a formal trauma program at the facility with a coordinator and medical director ATLS provides intense training for safe and reliable management of injured patients, as well as stabilization of more serious patients for transfers to larger trauma centers such as Munson Medical Center or the University of Michigan.
Chief of Staff Nancy Reye, M.D., said the surveyors had good things to say about the hospital trauma team’s efforts.
“The surveyors had minimal recommendations, which was a testament to the work the Paul Oliver trauma team has put in over the past several years,” she said. “They also commented that our prevention programs are competitive with some Level II facilities, which was a huge compliment.”
Former Trauma Program Coordinator Barb Smith, R.N. said “Our injury prevention work has been the most gratifying of this process. If we never have to see you in the ER, we are much happier. Much of our focus has been working with the geriatric population, who is at much greater risk for injury. We are always looking to the best practices for treatment and care, but more importantly, prevention to avoid injuries.”
The efforts of Deb Cenname, retired registered nurse and exercise specialist at the Betsie Hosick Health and Fitness Center, is an example of the prevention efforts across the hospital. Her commitment to prevention has resulted in a 10-site outreach program, bringing over 3,000 Movement and Balance classes to community locations each year.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of EMS and Trauma Director Kathy Wahl, MSN, RN, congratulated the hospital on its achievement.
“Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recognizes this important achievement and the integral part Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital has in building a regionalized, coordinated, and accountable trauma system in Michigan,” she said.
Learn more about the services at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.