Harbor Beach Community Hospital to Achieve Trauma Level IV Designation

Jill Wehner, President/CEO of Harbor Beach Community Hospital is proud to announce the achievement of Trauma Level IV Designation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for three years through May 20, 2027.

On May 20, 2024 a Level IV Trauma Designation Survey was completed by a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner and Trauma Surgeon from Sparrow Hospital, both representatives of the State of Michigan. Dr Felton, Carrie Monaghan and the two state representatives underwent day long assessment that included a review of credentialing and training of hospital staff and physicians who work in the Emergency Department, review of trauma protocols, policy implementation and compliance as well as several trauma activation chart reviews. Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging departments were involved in which 24 hours a day staffing and availability was reviewed along with department specific trauma policies, protocols and compliance. The surveyors evaluated an ongoing quality assessment program focusing on trauma, education and injury prevention for the community and schools along with signed agreements with tertiary hospitals that accept patients at higher levels of care if required. The results of this survey were submitted to the State of Michigan Trauma Review Committee who met in July 2024 where the committee officially provided the Trauma Level IV Designation Verification to Harbor Beach Community Hospital.

Strengths of the organization noted by the survey team included good teamwork and dedicated staff across the board from administration to all staff providing excellent care to all trauma patients, an excellent relationship with the local EMS services and Level I, II and III tertiary hospitals who provide a higher level of care where patients from Harbor Beach Community Hospital are transferred to upon stabilization. The surveyors were greatly impressed with the overall processes, policies, compliance and progress Harbor Beach Community Hospital has achieved with their Trauma Program.

Members of the Trauma Verification Team at Harbor Beach Community Hospital who participated in the survey included: Brent Felton, DO., Trauma Medical Director/Emergency Room Medical Director; Carrie Monaghan, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing/Trauma Program Manager/Coordinator; Jennifer Siemen, RN, Director of Nursing for ER and Acute Care; also included in the review process were Lab, Radiology, Risk Management and Quality Management as well as Eastern Huron Ambulance Services.

Jill Wehner stated, “I am extremely proud of our team for achieving the Level IV Trauma Designation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human services. It takes a supportive and dedicated team to make this possible; I appreciate the tremendous amount of time and effort they have made. This is one demonstration of HBCH’s commitment to providing our community with local access to quality healthcare.”