(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has re-designated the Sabetha Community Hospital as a Level IV Trauma Center.

Every three years, designated trauma centers are evaluated to assure that they meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance as outlined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.

“Injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability in Kansas. KDHE- Trauma Program works to ensure those who are injured in Kansas have access to an organized system of trauma care that offers them the best chance of recovery,” said Janet Stanek, Secretary Kansas Department of Health & Environment. “On behalf of families and visitors in our state, we acknowledge Sabetha Community Hospital for its commitment to provide high quality care to trauma patients.”

This achievement is hard earned, as the requirements are meticulous to ensure that there are processes, protocols, training, and resources in place to provide high quality, evidence-based trauma care for the best possible outcomes, and a method for continual process improvement.

Trauma center designations are based on the hospital's care capability, from the highest, Level 1, to hospitals designated Level IV. Level IV trauma centers are hospitals that have a primary role of stabilizing seriously injured patients and, if necessary, transferring them to a higher-level trauma center. Hospitals that have achieved Level IV trauma center designation have demonstrated a commitment to providing optimal care for those who have been seriously injured.