Landstuhl takes it up a level

[unhappycamper]

Army Capt. Karla Clarke, center, an ICU nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, assists in transporting her patient to a bus for air transport Aug. 21st, 2007. LRMC has become the only hospital outside the U.S. designated as a Level II trauma center. With the new designation come tougher standards in everything from tracking patients to receiving patients and documenting medical care.


Landstuhl takes it up a level
By Charlie Reed, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Friday, October 19, 2007


LANDSTUHL, Germany — Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s designation as a Level II trauma center has brought the hospital more than just a prestigious title.

During the process to acquire the verification from the American College of Surgeons, Landstuhl has added a neurosurgeon to its staff and a dialysis machine.

The trauma center distinction also “will enhance our ability to compete for grants,” said Army Dr. (Col.) Stephen Flaherty, director of the hospital’s trauma center.

Landstuhl officials, along with a representative from the surgical association, gathered Wednesday to celebrate the verification, which means the hospital now has tougher standards for everything from tracking patients to medical records.

“It sends a message home to the mothers, wives and families of our combat casualties that the care at Landstuhl is excellent,” Flaherty said.

Landstuhl is the only hospital outside the U.S. — though not the only military hospital — to receive the trauma center designation, meeting 215 benchmarks set by the Chicago-based surgical association.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49610