Patterson Health Center Earns Level IV Trauma Center Redesignation

Patterson Health Center (PHC) is proud to announce it has officially received redesignation as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Every three years, designated trauma centers across the state undergo a rigorous evaluation to ensure they meet essential criteria for trauma care capability and institutional performance. These meticulous standards are outlined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.

This achievement reflects the hard work, meticulous planning, and evidence-based protocols that the PHC trauma team maintains daily to provide optimal care and achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

What Level IV Designation Means for Our Community

Trauma center designations are based on a hospital's care capabilities, ranging from Level I down to Level IV. As a Level IV Trauma Center, Patterson Health Center plays a vital, frontline role in the regional healthcare ecosystem. The primary focus is providing advanced life support, stabilizing seriously injured patients, and—when necessary—coordinating seamless transfers to a higher-level trauma center.

For the rural communities of Anthony and Harper County, having a verified Level IV facility close to home means critical, life-saving stabilization begins the moment a patient walks or is brought through the emergency doors.

"Injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability in Kansas. KDHE’s Trauma Program works to ensure those who are injured in Kansas have access to an organized system of trauma care that offers them the best chance of recovery," said Janet Stanek, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. "On behalf of families and visitors in our state, we acknowledge Patterson Health Center for its commitment to provide high quality care to trauma patients."

Celebrating Teamwork and Leadership

The timing of the redesignation aligns perfectly with a smooth leadership transition within the PHC Trauma Program.

For the past three years, Aly Livengood, RN, has successfully managed multiple critical roles behind the scenes—including Performance Improvement, Trauma Registrar, Injury Prevention, and Clinical Education—laying the groundwork for this successful state evaluation. As Aly transitions to focus solely on Clinical Education and staff development for the organization, Tonnya Rickabaugh, RN, has officially assumed all trauma-related responsibilities following a multi-month transition and mentorship period.

This hard-earned achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and excellence of Aly, Tonnya, and the entire medical staff who keep our trauma program top-notch.

To learn more about the statewide system of care, visit the Kansas Trauma program website at kdhe.ks.gov/1140/.