Health Compass Newsletter

Certification elevates lifesaving care available in the community

The CMH Emergency Department has earned Trauma Level 3 certification from the Oregon Trauma Program. An extensive trauma survey was conducted in May, resulting in advancement from Trauma Level 4 to Trauma Level 3.

The Trauma Level 3 certification recognizes CMH's depth and expertise in trauma and specialty care for the region. Trauma Level 3 programs must also track and maintain quality improvement indicators and provide community education, outreach and injury prevention programs.

"Becoming a Level 3 Trauma program was an organizational goal set by the Board of Trustees almost three years ago," says CEO Erik Thorsen. "We're very proud of the work done by our Emergency Department and surgical teams to provide an even higher level of care for the community."

Advancing local emergency care

CMH and the OHSU Department of Emergency Medicine have been strong collaborators for the past 10 years, with a shared goal of providing excellent emergency care within the community.

"One of the most important aspects of continually advancing high-quality emergency care in Astoria is that many of our patients can receive their entire episode of care at CMH, in their community, and close to their home and family," says Mary Tanski, MD, chair of the OHSU Department of Emergency Medicine. "Now that CMH has earned Level 3 Trauma certification, patients also have the incredible resource of access to a multidisciplinary team of experts who can care for them in Astoria as they recover and heal.

"The entire team at CMH has worked incredibly hard to make Level 3 certification a reality. It is a great achievement that is a testament to their effort and dedication and is absolutely incredible for our patients and the community."

The survey team was impressed by the CMH-OHSU team's capabilities, coordination with EMS providers and overall care provided to patients.

Categories: CMH Certification