Madison Reporter

Patients in Madison and nearby areas now have improved access to critical care services following a recent certification of UW Health East Madison Hospital. In October, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services designated the hospital as a Level IV Trauma Center. This addition strengthens the UW Health trauma system, which includes University Hospital's Level I Adult Trauma Center and American Family Children’s Hospital's Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

East Madison Hospital, operational since 2015, has been treating critically injured patients. The new designation acknowledges its capability to manage advanced traumatic injuries. Dr. Joshua Gauger, trauma medical director at East Madison Hospital and emergency medicine physician at UW Health, stated that this recognition provides reassurance to patients and their families about receiving optimal care during emergencies.

According to the Department of Health Services, Wisconsin hospitals voluntarily participate in trauma center classification, which ranges from Level I to IV. A Level I center offers comprehensive trauma care including teaching and research activities.

The Level IV designation for East Madison Hospital indicates its ability to evaluate, stabilize, and offer advanced trauma life support. It also involves assessing whether patients need transfer to higher-level facilities like University Hospital.

Dr. Gauger emphasized that this recognition reflects UW Health's commitment to providing top-tier care across Wisconsin. The decision followed a thorough review by a verification team from the Department of Health Services, which examined patient outcomes and service quality over the past year.

The review highlighted several strengths at East Madison Hospital, including an effective injury prevention program and performance improvement initiatives. Dr. Gauger acknowledged the collective effort of nurses, physicians, support staff, and others in achieving this milestone.