Freestone Medical Center has been designated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services after consistently demonstrating its ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher level trauma center.
CEO, John Yeary, took time on Monday to congratulate ER Director, Peggy Hughes, RN, for her outstanding work and commitment to the facility, its patients and to the high standards required to meet the requirement of Level IV designation. “Achieving this standard means meeting the clinical and medical standards established by the State of Texas’ EMS Trauma System. It speaks directly to the level of commitment and professionalism of our leadership, staff and physicians here at Freestone Medical Center”, remarked Mr. Yeary.
Trauma Center designation is a process outlined and developed by the state’s trauma system.
Some elements of Level IV Trauma Centers include:
–Basic emergency department facilities to implement ATLS protocols and 24-hour laboratory coverage.
–Available trauma nurse(s) and physicians available upon patient arrival.
–May provide surgery and critical-care services if available.
–Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center.
–Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program.
–Involved with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities.
“I am proud of our ED staff and the lives they touch each and every day. The staff are a reflection of Ms. Hughes’ leadership, compassion, commitment and values of service to this community and to her own personal nursing standards,” said Mr. Yeary. ”The Emergency Department is a tough, never-ending and demanding area of practice. We are blessed to have such dedicated and skillful staff available to care for our community.”
