FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2003
Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel is Alaska’s second Level IV trauma center
Improved trauma care in rural Alaska underway
Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, operated by Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), became Alaska’s second Level IV Trauma Center as of January 14, 2003, meeting criteria set forth by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. A Level IV facility provides initial evaluation and assessment of injured patients, resuscitation and stabilization, and prepares the seriously injured patient for transfer to a referral hospital.
“I congratulate YKHC for this achievement which will help reduce Alaska’s high incidence of death from unintentional injury, particularly among Alaska Natives,” Joel Gilbertson, DHSS Commissioner said. “DHSS continues to work to reduce the impact of illness and injury in Alaska, and it’s a goal of this administration to expand access to cost effective health services in underserved areas.”
"Injuries are a major cause of death and disability in rural Alaska,” Karen Pearson, DHSS Director of Public Health said. “YKHC's investment in their trauma center has the potential to significantly improve the outcome for the injured people they serve."
"This designation demonstrates a commitment by YKHC and it's staff to quality trauma care and patient stabilization," Gene Peltola, YKHC President & CEO said.
To gain certification, YKHC invited a team including a trauma surgeon and trauma nurse to visit Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital and verify its compliance with criteria set forth by DHSS. These criteria are based on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) standards for Level IV Trauma Center designation. National standards are based on research showing that organized and timely response to trauma can improve patient care, reduce trauma death rates, and enhance staff confidence in treating traumatic injury victims.
Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome became Alaska’s first certified Level IV Trauma Center in October 2002. Alaska also has a certified Level II Trauma Center, the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in Anchorage, which was certified in 1999. Alaska has no Level I Trauma Centers, which are required by ACS standards to conduct trauma research and teach trauma care physicians.
“The desire to improve trauma care in rural Alaska has begun and other facilities are now stepping up to the challenge of trauma center certification,” Barbara Hopkins, Emergency Department Nurse Manage at Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital said.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Communications
(907) 465-1611Or
Ross Soboleff
Public Information Officer III
(907) 465-1611
Or
Mark S. Johnson, Chief, Community Health & Emergency Medical Services (CHEMS)
Div. of Public Health
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
(907) 465-3027Or
Barbara Hopkins, Emergency Department Nurse Manager
(907) 543-6333
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