Decatur County Hospital Re-Certified as Level IV Trauma Center

After a recent survey by the State of Iowa, Decatur County Hospital was re-certified as a Level IV Trauma Center.  After the successful completion of the survey, the state surveyor asked to use two of DCH’s processes within the program as a “template” for other hospitals in the state who might be struggling in those specific areas. Without hesitation, DCH administration granted permission for the state surveyor to share our written procedures for peer review and transfer to be used as examples for other hospitals.  Regarding DCH’s peer review process, the surveyor noted in her report “The trauma performance improvement plan and levels of review are exemplary and demonstrate a clear understanding of what it takes to run a high-quality trauma performance improvement program”.

DCH was also commended in several other areas in the surveyor’s report which included: the work of Amanda Edsall and Jamie McDaniel as the former and current trauma program managers respectively; documentation and record keeping were listed as “commendable”; Dr. Wehling’s active and continued participation – this was described as “further proof of the strength of the program”; the amount of blood products stored at DCH – noted as “a strength for the severely injured trauma patient; disaster planning and participation both internally and with community/ regional partners – the surveyor described this aspect as “exemplary”.

The DCH administration team and DCH Board would like to extend a thank you to all our employees who serve a role in the processes and protocols for trauma service in Decatur County. This re-certification would not be possible without your hard work and commitment to provide exceptional care, close to home.

To learn more about Decatur County Hospital and our available services, please visit www.www.decaturcountyhospital.org.

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