WAUSAU – Aspirus Wausau Hospital has recognized its status as a Level II trauma center for 10 years this month.
The hospital first became verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma as a Level II adult trauma center on Oct 6, 2008, according to an Aspirus news release. That verification meant the hospital was able to initiate definitive care for all injured patients.
“This is a great benefit to the community,” said Jennie Larson, trauma program medical director, in the news release. “Many communities do not have this resource. The need for excellent trauma care for the injured in any community is just as important as other medical care such as cardiovascular and cancer care. All of which contribute to the survival of our most critical patients.”
All four Wisconsin Aspirus hospitals are verified trauma centers. The Aspirus Michigan hospitals have received or are working toward their trauma verifications.
“We’re serving communities in areas where people don’t have access to immediate healthcare,” said Aspirus Wausau Hospital Trauma Program Manager Sara Steen, in the release. “Although 15 percent to 20 percent of the nation’s population lives in rural areas, more than 50 percent of trauma deaths occur in those areas.”
To date, Aspirus Wausau Hospital has treated more than 14,000 patients as a primary referral hospital for north central Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, according to Aspirus.
Photo courtesy Aspirus.
