T.J. Samson and T.J. Health Columbia earn trauma center designations

GLASGOW, Ky. – Two local hospitals are marking a large milestone as the first trauma-designated hospitals in south-central Kentucky, according to T.J. Regional Health.

T.J. Regional Health says both T.J. Samson Community Hospital and T.J. Health Columbia have been designated as Level IV Trauma Centers.

“This designation is an important milestone for our hospitals and the communities we serve,” said Ashley Ritter, trauma program coordinator for T.J. Regional Health. “It reflects the dedication of our emergency department teams and strong collaboration with EMS partners. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to strengthen and enhance trauma care locally.”

The designation means both locations meet the Commonwealth’s “rigorous standards for trauma readiness, including staffing, education, performance improvement and coordination with emergency medical services,” according to T.J. Regional Health.

As Level IV Trauma Centers, T.J. Regional Health says both hospitals are prepared to provide 24/7 trauma “evaluation and stabilization, ensure rapid assessment of injured patients and coordinate transfers to higher-level trauma centers when needed.”

The designation enhances the region’s trauma care network, T.J. Regional Health says, and improves results by ensuring “critically injured patients receive the right care at the right time.”

“The Level IV Trauma Center designation underscores our ongoing commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and to meeting the evolving healthcare needs in south central Kentucky,” said Neil Thornbury, CEO. “We are strengthening the trauma services across our region and improving access to lifesaving care for patients who depend on us.”