SPRINGFIELD — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently designated Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield as a level 4 trauma hospital. Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield and its staff 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. Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield met standards of commitment, clinical and equipment resources, and staff training. The hospital also participates in a continuous performance improvement process.

“Maintaining the level 4 trauma designation at Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield is made possible by our team’s commitment to quality, safety and patient experience,” says Scott Thoreson, Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield administrator. “This recognition validates the ongoing efforts of our providers, nurses and support staff to ensure patients receive the best care every day.”

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.

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, Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield recognizes the vital role that communities, ambulance services, hospitals and health care professionals play in the care and management of trauma patients.