SAFFORD — The Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Services and Trauma System announced May 19 that Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center is now a Level III trauma center.
In Arizona, there are 13 Level I trauma center hospitals, zero Level II, now nine Level III and 27 Level IV.
A Level III trauma center provides prompt assessment, resuscitation, emergency operations, and stabilization for patients with traumatic injuries. They also arrange for transfer to a higher-level trauma center for definitive care when needed.
The AZ Department of Health Services noted the support from the board of directors to achieve and maintain Level III status, the latest radiology and lab equipment in place and the commitment of the staff to continuing education in the decision.
A Level III designation includes these requirements:
- 24-hour access to emergency medicine physicians and general surgeons
- Availability of general surgery, anesthesia, ICU, and orthopedic surgery
- Prompt assessment, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients
- Transfer agreements for patients requiring a higher level of care
- Support for outlying hospitals and community outreach programs
- Continuous education and quality improvement programs for the trauma team
- Active participation in regional disaster management plans and exercises
“This marks an important milestone for MGRMC and stands as a testament to the dedication, skill and hard work of our Trauma Team. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this accomplishment possible, with special thanks to Shanna Cluff and Kyle Lines,” said Dr. Bart Carter, MGRMC chief medical officer and interim CEO.
Carter was named interim CEO while CEO Roland Knox recovers from an undisclosed illness.
Earlier this month, Carter was honored as Arizona’s Level IV Trauma Program Medical Director of the Year at the State Trauma Advisory Board Meeting in Phoenix. And Cluff was recognized as Arizona’s Level IV Trauma Program Manager of the Year at the same meeting.
“This (advancement to Level III) really was a group effort involving all or our departments, this is an organization wide commitment,” Cluff said.
