PeaceHealth St. Joseph earns Trauma Center redesignation

BELLINGHAM, Wash.— PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has successfully completed its Adult Level II Trauma Designation survey, conducted by the Washington State Department of Health Trauma System.

The triennial survey reinforces the hospital's role as a key provider of advanced trauma care in Northwest Washington.

The designation places the hospital among only seven Adult Level II trauma centers statewide, a distinction that underscores its capacity to deliver specialized, around-the-clock care for seriously injured patients.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph serves a broad regional population, providing trauma services to residents across Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit and Island counties. Its trauma program manages more than 3,000 patient cases annually. 

A few highlights:

• Survey reviewers praised the organization for its high level of preparedness and strong commitment to patient care. The evaluation team noted exceptional engagement from hospital leadership, clinical teams and community partners, highlighting a coordinated approach to trauma services that extends beyond the hospital setting.
• Assessors commended the program’s progress since its previous designation review, citing measurable advancements in care delivery and a continued commitment to improving trauma services across the region.
• Trauma program leadership received recognition for their experience and hands-on involvement in operations, quality improvement and clinical education.
• One of the program’s notable enhancements includes the addition of a Trauma Nurse Coordinator role. Reviewers credited this position with improving timely clinical feedback, strengthening documentation practices and expanding community-based injury prevention efforts.
• The hospital’s trauma registry team was also singled out for excellence, earning praise for maintaining high data accuracy and ensuring consistent, on-time reporting to state and national databases.
• Surveyors highlighted the program’s emphasis on education and readiness. Regular simulations, skills labs and advanced training for clinical staff have helped ensure preparedness for complex emergencies, including multiple mass casualty events.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our caregivers and the strength of our partnerships across the region,” said Keila Torres, senior director of nursing. “Every day, our teams demonstrate an unwavering commitment to providing lifesaving care when it matters most.”

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.