MCHS Austin redesignated Level 4 trauma hospital

 The Minnesota Department of Health has redesignated Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin as a Level 4 trauma hospital. The recertification process included an outside review of the hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for trauma patients.

To qualify for Level 4 designation, the trauma hospital must have an established trauma program within its facility that meets the required criteria set forth by the state and a site visit that focuses on three areas:

  1. Compliance with the designation criteria
  2. Program made toward strengthening the weakness identified during prior site visits
  3. Determining how the system can collaboratively support the ongoing and future needs of the hospital’s trauma care commitment.

Trauma hospital designation in Minnesota is valid for three years, and facilities must reapply for recertification.

The Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin offers emergency care to patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with access to specialty physicians and critical care services. For a severely injured person, the time between sustaining an injury and receiving definitive care is the most important predictor of surviving the “golden hour.” The chance of survival diminishes with time; however, a trauma system enhances the chance of survival regardless of proximity to an urban trauma hospital.

On average, trauma claims the lives of 2,400 Minnesotans annually. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15% to 20%. Wide-scale participation in the voluntary trauma system ensures that a statewide, cooperative effort is in place to care for seriously injured patients.

Minnesota began developing a comprehensive statewide trauma system in August 2005. Through its designation, Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin recognizes the vital role that communities, ambulance services, hospitals and health care professionals play in the care and management of trauma patients.