Columbus Community Hospital Trauma Center Receives State Designation

Last month, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reviewed Columbus Community Hospital's trauma center designation. CCH passed the review and received designation as a General Level Trauma Center. 

CCH received its first official certification in 2006, and has undergone recertification every four years since then. Through the trauma center, the hospital can provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery and patient stabilization.

"Providing good trauma care to a network of hospitals across Nebraska has been an ongoing effort for the last 20 years," said Dr. Mark Howerter, emergency room medical director at CCH. "We are proud to say that Columbus Community Hospital has been a certified trauma center for more than 15 years." 

Since the initial certification, the hospital has seen the program's benefits extend beyond the walls of the emergency department: It has developed policies and procedures that it uses in other departments, as well. Howerter said the recent recertification is another indicator of CCH's ongoing commitment to excellent trauma care and its dedication to maintaining a well-functioning trauma center.

Trauma is the leading cause of death for people 45 and younger. Still, the team at CCH is dedicated to providing high-quality trauma care through continuing education and process improvement.

"My gratitude for this dedication and commitment goes out to Sam Lozos, trauma coordinator, and Dr. Myron Morse, trauma medical director," Howerter said. "But I also want to thank our surgeons, surgical team, emergency department physicians, staff and administration for the collective effort that has led to continued improvement in our ability to deliver quality trauma care to our community."

The hospital takes great pride in this program. As a level 3 trauma center, it can provide expert treatment for surrounding communities that might not otherwise have access to care.

For more information on CCH's emergency department and trauma services, visit columbushosp.org.