The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment completed an on-site review of the Level IV trauma center at Delta County Memorial Hospital on August 5th.
Strengths of the trauma program were identified by the on-site review committee and included: administrative support; a strong culture of trauma; physical plant; trauma nurse coordinator; trauma medical director /co-director; good trauma care; EMS involvement; injury prevention; nursing education support; Lab; Radiology; ICU director; Operation Room director.
“Lisa Waddington, RN has put in a phenomenal amount of work preparing for the review, she did a great job and showed what a fantastic program we have,” commented Trauma Program Director and Emergency Department and Urgent Care Manager Misty Sakala, RN.
“A great trauma program requires the dedication and focus of the whole Delta County Memorial staff; from the non-clinical house keeping and maintenance staff to the dedicated laboratory, radiology and medical technicians. The culture of complete trauma care ensures the best quality care for every patient that we have the honor of caring for at Delta County Memorial Hospital. I’m proud to be part of a great team of physicians, nurses and support staff” Dr. Treve Henwood, Chief of Staff, Co-Trauma Medical Director.
Hospital CEO Jason Cleckler stated “Our hospital is proud of the Trauma Level IV program here under the leadership of Misty Sakala, RN, Trauma Program Director and Emergency Department and Urgent Care Manager. Our trauma program has been a leading role model for other hospitals for the past six years, he added.
“Unintentional injury is the number one cause of death in Colorado for people between the ages of 1 – 44 (National Center for Health Statistics). Delta Hospital‘s participation in the statewide trauma designation system improves the chances of survival of our families, friends and neighbors in our community.
Studies have demonstrated that injured patients treated in designated trauma centers have better outcomes than injured patients treated in non-trauma hospitals, even for small rural hospitals (Journal of Rural Health. 2010 June;26(3):299.) Delta County is fortunate to have an outstanding Level IV Trauma Program, a program that has set the bar extremely high for other programs in the state. Administration would like to thank the entire emergency department and emergency responders for their dedication to making the DCMH Trauma Program the best Level IV program in the state.” Jody Roeber, Chief Clinical Officer.
