Sanford Jackson

The Minnesota Department of Health recently designated Sanford Jackson Medical Center (SJMC) as a Level IV trauma hospital. SJMC voluntarily participated in the intense designation process to become part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system. The process included an outside review of the hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for trauma patients. Sanford Jackson Medical Center has over 1,200 visits to their Emergency Room per year. SJMC met standards of commitment, clinical and equipment resources and staff training. The hospital also participates in a continuous performance improvement process.

“I’m proud of our staff for receiving this designation. Being recognized as a Level IV trauma hospital illustrates our dedication to the health of the residents of Jackson County and to those that might be passing through,” said Mary Ruyter, CEO of Jackson Medical Center. “SJMC is now a part of the Sanford Health Network Trauma System as well as the Statewide Trauma System. Our staff also works with local ambulance crews to ensure that patients receive the best possible care,” added Ruyter.

For a severely injured person, the time between sustaining an injury and receiving definitive care is the most important predictor of survival—the “golden hour.” The chance of survival diminishes with time; however, a trauma system enhances the chance of survival regardless of proximity to an urban trauma hospital.

“Trauma is the third leading cause of death in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan. “The goal of the trauma system is to decrease injured patients’ time to care by making sure their medical needs are appropriately matched with hospital resources. With the designation of Sanford Jackson as a level 4 trauma hospital, we are getting closer to our goal of ensuring that seriously injured Minnesotans have access to an organized system of trauma care wherever they are in the state.”

On average, trauma claims the lives of 2,400 Minnesotans annually. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15 to 20 percent. Wide-scale participation in the voluntary trauma system ensures that a statewide, cooperative effort is in place to care for seriously injured patients.

Minnesota began developing a comprehensive statewide trauma system in August of 2005. Through its designation Sanford Jackson Medical Center recognizes the vital role that communities, ambulance services, hospitals and health care professionals play in the care and management of trauma patients.

For more information, see the Minnesota Statewide Trauma System site at http://www.health.state.mn.us/traumasystem/