Grand Itasca redesignated as Level 3 trauma hospital

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital was redesignated as a Level 3 trauma hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The rigorous redesignation process includes an outside review of a hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for trauma patients to ensure it meets standards of commitment, clinical and equipment resources and staff training.

Minnesota's trauma system is voluntary for hospitals. Having a system ensures that seriously injured people are quickly transported to hospitals with the resources to treat their specific injuries. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15%-20%, according to a news release from Grand Itasca.

“We are proud to maintain our Level III Trauma designation and continue providing high-quality emergency and trauma care close to home for our community,” said Dr. JJ Germscheid, general surgeon and trauma medical director at Grand Itasca, in a March 18 news release.

“This redesignation reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses and support teams who work together every day to ensure patients receive timely, life-saving care when it matters most.”

Minnesota’s trauma system has four levels, with level 1 hospitals having the greatest number of resources. There are about two dozen level 3 and 4 trauma hospitals in Northern Minnesota, with level 1 hospitals in Duluth, Grand Forks and Fargo.

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Minnesota Department of Health

“Trauma is the leading cause of premature death in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham in the release. “ ... With the designation of Grand Itasca as a Level III trauma hospital, we are getting closer to our goal of ensuring that seriously injured Minnesotans have access to an organized system of trauma care wherever they are in the state.”

Grand Itasca announced Monday, March 23, that it has also been designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits health care organizations.

With the designation, Grand Itasca has strengthened access to specialized stroke care in a rural setting, helping reduce the need for transfers and ensuring patients receive timely, lifesaving treatment closer to home, a news release stated.

“Our team has worked diligently to build and refine a comprehensive stroke program that meets the highest standards of care,” said Kelly Handyside, a nurse and the trauma stroke program coordinator at Grand Itasca, in the release.

“From enhancing staff education and implementing evidence-based protocols to improving coordination across departments, this achievement underscores our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients.”