Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center Designated as Level III Trauma Program

The System Strengthens Trauma Services across North Louisiana: Level 1 Trauma Center Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and the newly designated Level III Trauma Program at Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center.

MONROE, LA – The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) has designated Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center a Level III Trauma Program, joining only nine other hospitals in Louisiana with the certified trauma program designation. The voluntary program ensures that hospitals have and best utilize trauma resources for optimal trauma patient care.

“At Ochsner LSU Health, we are dedicated to providing the care people need, when they need it, and this is never more important than in a trauma situation. Although these resources require significant investments, we knew it was the right thing to do for people in Northeast Louisiana. Our continuous collaboration with Level 1 Trauma services and the advanced critical care specialists at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport enhance and support the trauma services we offer across North Louisiana.” stated Mark Randolph, CEO of Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe.

To receive the designation of a Level III Trauma Program, hospitals must have the following components:

• Emergency physicians must be available 24 hours and have prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists;
• Implementation of a comprehensive quality assessment program;
• Transfer agreements for patients needing more critical care to Level II or Level I Trauma Centers;
• Standby care for rural and community hospitals;
• Continued education for the nursing, allied health, and trauma teams; and
• Prevention education and outreach programs for referring communities.

“This designation confirms we have and are utilizing our trauma resources in the best possible way to quickly provide our patients with specialized care in emergency situations. In addition to becoming a trauma program because of our onsite resources, our TeleICU and continuous collaboration enhances the level of care we provide when a patient needs it most. This was only possible through the teamwork and dedication of our physicians and healthcare professionals, who live and work right here in Northeast Louisiana, and their commitment to meeting the needs of patients. This designation proves that this critical trauma service is available in our community,” said Michael O’Neal, M.D., Chief Medical Officer.

Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center will continue the rigorous verification process through LERN and the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma to become a nationally recognized trauma center.