The Washington State Department of Health has granted Harrison Hospital a three-year extension of its Level III status as a trauma care facility, a designation achieved in 1994 and one shared with only 19 other Washington hospitals. The state defines Level III as being able to provide a physician-directed, multidisciplinary trauma service; a formally organized trauma resuscitation team; and trauma-trained ER physicians and nurses within five minutes of notification.

Level II facilities additionally offer neurological assessment and stabilization within five minutes and a neurosurgeon available within 30 minutes. Harborview is Washington’s sole Level I facility, with in-house personnel capable of providing comprehensive care of patients with complex traumatic injury. Level I facilities are also responsible for research, professional education, and community outreach programs.

Heading the months-long effort, which culminated in a site visit in March, was RN Judy Van Hook who serves as Trauma Service Coordinator. Others whose involvement was vital were Emergency Department staff and physicians, the Trauma Committee, and staff from Surgical Services, Medical Imaging, Lab, Critical Care Department and Cardiology.