Published: Nov. 21, 2019
Ionia, MI – For the first time, Sparrow Ionia Hospital has been designated as a Level IV Trauma facility, reflecting its expertise in providing advanced trauma life support prior to transferring Patients to a higher-level trauma center.
The designation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reflects years of work by Sparrow Ionia to provide the next level of quality care to Patients.
“I am proud of the commitment to quality Patient care that our team at Sparrow Ionia Hospital demonstrates every day,” said Sparrow Ionia President Bill Roeser. “Patients can rest assured knowing that they will receive excellent care because of the extensive training our Caregivers have undergone.
“This designation communicates to the community the trauma capabilities available at Sparrow Ionia Hospital. It is a tremendous benefit to the communities we serve to have top-notch emergency care.
"With trauma being the leading cause of death in the United States for individuals up to age 45, this designation validates that Sparrow Ionia is skilled to provide the advanced levels of care needed, including stabilization of seriously injured Patients who need to be transferred to a large trauma center.
Sparrow Ionia has spent two years preparing for the Trauma Center designation, including developing a Trauma program from the ground up with policies and procedures, staff education, injury prevention, and performance improvement.
“The establishment of the Trauma Center program allows for Community Hospitals to ensure that the highest level of care is provided to Patients presenting with traumatic injuries,” said Tara Lanz, Sparrow Ionia Emergency Department Manager.
Designation requirements go beyond Patient care in the Emergency Department. Hospitals must complete a rigorous application. Elements reviewed include relationships with local EMS, disaster protocols, access to surgical care, transfer agreements for Patients needing more comprehensive care, involvement in prevention and outreach programs in the community, and an onsite visit from surveyors.
For more information about Sparrow Ionia, go to Sparrow.org/SparrowIonia.
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Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.