Lutheran trauma program update

By Scott Peek, Lutheran President

Since our designation as a Level II Trauma Center in the Spring of 2021, our trauma program has exceeded all expectations in terms of growth and our commitment to caring for the growing west-metro and foothills community. Looking forward to our move to the replacement campus in late summer, we remain actively committed to trauma-injury prevention and responding seamlessly when critical injuries occur. Our trauma team, including specialized physicians, surgeons and nurses, responds 24/7 with life-saving care and treatment.

We are currently developing thoughtful, intentional plans and strategies to pursue a potential increase in our trauma designation following our move. Our journey to achieving the highest level of trauma designation is extensive, and the outcome is still to be determined.

Since our Level II designation by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment in 2021, our trauma program has experienced tremendous progress and growth.

• Approximately 92 percent increase in trauma patient volume

• Completed coverage for specialty trauma call panels, including facial trauma, orthopedic traumatology, hand surgery, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery

• Added additional trauma surgeons, including critical care board-certified clinicians

• Completed trauma APP coverage model to improve trauma care

• Added dedicated ICU and floor trauma physician rounding coverage

• Developed trauma-care guidelines to guide care for specific injuries

• Developed partnership with Saint Joseph Hospital to receive trauma transfers 

Below are some planned improvements that we are working on ahead of our hospital move and the next trauma survey.

• Develop a trauma research program

• Mature development of trauma performance improvement tactics

• Enhance trauma education for RNs and APPs caring for trauma patients

• Enhance training and staffing of trauma registrar and performance-improvement positions 

• Continued maturation and development of trauma-care guidelines

• Enhance trauma oversight of limited trauma activations

• Develop and implement pediatric readiness strategies

• Enhance alcohol-screening process for trauma patients

• Develop PTSD-screening and intervention process for trauma patients

• Develop a trauma-surgery rotation program 

We are grateful for your commitment to our patients and the community in all aspects of patient care and will keep you informed as to our progress toward a higher level of trauma care.