Allina Health Owatonna Hospital re-designated as Level 4 Trauma Hospital
Injury is the leading cause of premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, trauma claims the lives of 4,300 Minnesotans annually. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15 to 20 percent.
Hospitals can attain a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 designation. As a Level 4 Trauma hospital, Owatonna Hospital staff are trained to safely care for patients with minor to life-threatening injuries in our community before being admitted to the hospital or before transferring them to a higher level of care facility as deemed necessary, such as Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
“This is a huge benefit for those living in and visiting our community, as well as for those traveling through,” said Melissa Beaver, RN, BSN, a patient care supervisor and trauma coordinator for the Emergency Department at Owatonna Hospital. “When a trauma patient arrives, we kick into high gear to minimize blood loss, support airways and stabilize the patient for admission, transfer or discharge.”
Minnesota’s trauma system network ensures patients are taken to hospitals with the resources to treat their injuries. This is critical because the time between suffering an injury and receiving the best care is the most important predictor of survival. Minnesota’s trauma system enhances the chance of survival regardless of proximity to an urban trauma hospital.
“We are getting close to our goal of ensuring that seriously injured Minnesotans have access to an organized system of trauma care wherever they are in the state,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham.
Photo Caption: Owatonna Hospital Emergency Department staff are at the ready in our designated Trauma Room. Pictured left to right: Laurel Hoban, RN; Melissa Beaver, RN, BSN, patient care supervisor and trauma coordinator; Makynlee Prokopec, patient care technician; Jared Mosier, RN; Logan Ollman, RN; and Jessica Whipps, RN, BSN, patient care manager.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
- Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.
- Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.
Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.