Alex Goffena (left) pictured with the designation certificate and Val Russell (right) pictured with her Excellence in Trauma Award.
Recently Roundup Memorial Healthcare (RMH) received a newsworthy certification. The State of Montana, Department of Health and Human Services, awarded Roundup Memorial Healthcare, the redesignation of a Level VMontana Trauma Receiving Facility. This was all made possible by Val Russell PA-C Trauma Medical Director and Alex Goffena RN BSN Trauma Coordinator.
Much planning and hard work went into receiving this certification. Policies, procedures, audits of patient charts, education of staff, as well as community projects with education were all completed. "Val and Alex spend countless hours educating and maintaining a level of care that exceeds hospital's our size," said Tracy Anderson, CEO. "We are proud to work with providers and nurses that truly find their passion in caring for their patients and this community."
Level V Trauma Care means consistent, regulated care for all patients. Staff education, along with audits means we are held to the standards of the American College of Surgeons stated Alex Goffena, RN.
The most common traumas seen in Roundup are falls, off-road accidents with ATVs and animals, and motor vehicle accidents on the highways.
The survey process for this certification included a full day of chart reviews, interviewing teams, administration, and leadership. After this thorough process, RMH was awarded the redesignation with no deficiencies. Having no deficiencies is no easy task. This reigns true of the commitment, time, and effort Val and Alex have put into this program. The current certification is for three years. After three years, this process is repeated.
"Val Russell and Alex Goffena have done a superb job to get us Trauma Certified," said Velma Bulcher, RMH Director of Nursing Services. "Both are extremely knowledgeable and truly have the gifts that are needed to work with our trauma patients. Their diligence and persistence have kept our staff on track with our Trauma Program, helping all of us to give excellent trauma care to our patients. We are grateful that they are part of our team at Roundup Memorial."
When questioned about dreams for our hospital's future, they stated desires to continue to improve care and keep building excellence one step at a time. With stroke and trauma care being all steps toward better services for our community.
Rural hospitals in Montana are fewer than in other states and sometimes far away. Some have to travel over a hundred miles for healthcare. We are lucky to have this local excellent healthcare close to home.
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Elements of a Level V Trauma Center include:
Basic emergency department facilities to implement ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) protocols.
Available trauma nurse(s) and physicians available upon patient arrival.
After-hours activation protocols if facility is not open 24-hours a day.
May provide surgery and critical-care services if available.
Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I through III Trauma Centers.
(Billings Clinic and St. Vincent are Level I Trauma Centers)
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