West Valley achieves level III trauma designation

West Valley Medical Center has earned Level III trauma designation from the State of Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergencies (TSE) Council.

“Recovery is greatly increased when a severely injured patient receives care at a trauma center within the first hour of injury,” said Dr. John Mayberry, medical director of trauma services at West Valley Medical Center.

Trauma centers range from Level I – comprehensive trauma facilities to Level IV – basic trauma facilities.

A Level III trauma program includes a predetermined and organized response to managing and improving the care of severely injured people 24 hours a day. Under the direction of the trauma medical director and trauma coordinator, the facility is required to implement a comprehensive quality assessment program, offer continuing trauma education to the hospital’s nursing staff, allied health professionals and community members. It also provides a community resource for disaster preparedness and response.

“As a designated Level III trauma center, we are proud to provide our community with quality trauma care close to home,” said Travis Leach, chief executive officer of West Valley Medical Center. “The remarkable commitment demonstrated by our physicians, nurses and colleagues to meet the requirements for this program is another example of the high quality patient care we provide.”

As a Level III trauma center, West Valley is also required to maintain higher quality standards in patient care, experience and satisfaction.

"I applaud our clinicians and staff for their hard work this past year to ensure patients receive the absolute best trauma care when they need it, It further illustrates their commitment to excellence in caring for this community," said Leach.

The designation became official on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.