NMC Designated as a Level IV Trauma Facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services

Nacogdoches, Texas, July 3, 2018 – Nacogdoches Medical Center, the hospital anchor of NMC Health Network, is proud to announce their designation as a Level IV Trauma Facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This designation is the organization’s latest achievement; other recent accomplishments include:

• Six consecutive letter A grades for patient safety by hospital watchdog, The Leapfrog Group
• Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Checkmark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers
• The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for both Chest Pain Certification and Total Joint Replacement
• And the Commission on Cancer Accreditation through the American College of Surgeons

Trauma is defined as any life-threatening occurrence, either accidental or intentional, that results in injuries. The leading causes of trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls and assaults; and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trauma is the leading cause of death among Americans under 44 years of age. Obtaining Level IV Trauma Center designation means that NMC has taken the appropriate measures to ensure they are staffed by physicians and health care professionals with advanced trauma training that can provide resuscitation and stabilization for patients who have experienced injuries resulting from major and severe trauma. The trauma team includes a partnership with local emergency service providers, NMC emergency room personnel, general surgeons, orthopedists, neurosurgery and cardiovascular services. Each plays a vital role in the prompt assessment, resuscitation, intensive care and life-saving stabilization of critically injured patients. And in order to best serve the needs of our community, NMC has also secured transfer agreements to Level I and II Trauma Centers to partner with in the rare instance that a patient should need a higher level of care.

Dr. Jonathan Polk, board certified general surgeon and Medical Director of the trauma team at NMC, says the new designation demonstrates the commitment of the organization’s leadership, medical staff and employees to consistently provide an excellent level of care to East Texans. “Receiving Level IV Trauma Designation is a testament to the organization’s dedication to provide patients with high quality care and it demonstrates our ability to provide lifesaving treatment when needed most,” Dr. Polk said. “I am very proud of our team and their commitment to providing excellent medical care to our patients, families and friends.”

Level IV Trauma Center designation is one component of a comprehensive statewide trauma system designed to get patients with life-threatening injuries to a hospital with the necessary resources. With the new designation, the hospital is required to continually evaluate its standards through a rigorous performance-improvement program.

“Many don’t realize just how large the East Texas community is,” says Philip Koovakada,” CEO, NMC Health Network. “More than 90,000 people live in the area, and in 2017 alone, we had more than 25,000 ER visits in to our Nacogdoches and Shelby County Emergency Departments. Obtaining advanced certifications and offering additional facilities and services is one way we are continuing to expand our impact on the health of our community.”

The news of Level IV Trauma designation is even more meaningful for one patient who recently received lifesaving care at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Prisciliano Castillo was on his way to work in Palestine early one morning this spring, when a deer suddenly darted out in front of his truck. In an effort to miss the deer, Mr. Castillo swerved quickly and left the roadway; wrecking his vehicle and sustaining life threatening injuries.

“I am very grateful to God that the paramedics brought me to Nacogdoches Medical Center after my accident,” said Mr. Castillo. “Dr. Jonathan Polk and the staff at NMC saved my life. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be here today.”

In order to best care for patients like Mr. Castillo and to carry out the organization’s mission: to serve, heal and educate the community, NMC Health Network continues to elevate the quality, consistency, and safety of the services and patient care that they provide. Inspired by their commitment to the communities where they live and serve, the team continues to work diligently to achieve growth and superior quality through new clinical programs like Level IV Trauma Center Designation.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to take care of Mr. Castilllo,” Dr. Polk said. “I look forward to more success stories like his. That’s why we have worked so hard to advance and expand our services. It’s for the opportunity to do more for every patient, every family, every day.”