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Health Matters: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center | 9 means not only treating injured patients but embodying the principles of comprehensive care, collaboration and coordination, and community engagement. "We need lots of people from lots of different areas," says Trauma Program manager Melanie Crowley. "It's very expensive to run a multidisciplinary center like this, but Holy Cross has stuck with it to help people in need." Trauma surgeons at Providence Holy Cross are trained to address a wide range of injuries and medical conditions. From initial assessment and diagnosis to surgical intervention and postoperative care, the trauma team is equipped to handle every aspect of patient management, providing seamless continuity of care. "Trauma surgeons have to take care of the entire patient. You must be able to work through what injuries there are and recognize priorities right away," Dr. Hanpeter says. "Not only do we have surgeons who can do that, but they also really care and relate really well to the patients and the staff. The dedication to patient outcomes here is what sets us apart." Effective trauma care also relies on seamless coordination among various medical specialties and disciplines. "I think one of the really important things about Holy Cross is our culture here and our relationships with one another," says Jeana Rockette Adams, DNP, clinical coordinator for the trauma department. "It spans across every department—we have open communication." Beyond providing acute medical care, the trauma department at Providence Holy Cross actively engages in community outreach and injury prevention efforts. Initiatives such as the Stop the Bleed program help raise awareness about trauma prevention and empower people with lifesaving skills and safety tips. "We want to be proactive and teach how not to be a trauma patient," Adams says. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Over the years, the center has significantly enhanced its services to ensure the highest standards of trauma care for the communities it serves. Since Dr. Hanpeter took over as director, the focus has shifted to recruiting surgeons who specialize in critical care. Providence Holy Cross now has five full-time trauma surgeons, all double board-certified in general surgery and surgical critical care. While it's common for doctors to work at multiple hospitals, these surgeons make Providence Holy Cross their home. "This is their only major commitment," says Dr. Hanpeter. "Consequently, the continuity of care for the patients and families is so much better. You can count on people to be here when they need to be here." The trauma center has also expanded its staff to include a team of nurse practitioners (NPs). Crowley calls them "the boots on the ground seeing patients every day," offering additional support and expertise, plus personalized care, on the front lines. When it comes to continuous improvement efforts, Crowley says the trauma registrars are "unsung heroes." Trained to carefully maintain data, as required by the American College of Surgeons, they keep track of everything from diagnoses and complications to comorbidities. "We've really worked to increase the consistency and accuracy of our data," Crowley says. "Their attention to detail ensures we have reliable data, which we learn from." Although no one ever wishes for a tragedy, Crowley says "the real learning " comes from real-life experiences. She points to the Chatsworth Metrolink crash of 2008, for example. More than 100 injured people were transferred to trauma centers across Los Angeles County, with Providence Holy Cross receiving the most. "After a disaster, we look at what went well and what could go better." Through ongoing education and quality improvement initiatives, the trauma center stays abreast of the latest advancements in trauma care and incorporates best practices into its protocols. By embracing a culture of learning and innovation, it continuously raises the bar for patient care standards and outcomes. Learn more about the trauma center at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center by visiting providence.org/locations/socal/ holy-cross-medical-center/trauma-center. STOP THE BLEED PROGRAM AT PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS Empowering Our Community Since 2015, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center has offered Stop the Bleed training for free, providing essential lifesaving skills to the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. In the event of a disaster, every minute counts, as someone severely bleeding can bleed to death in as little as five minutes. That's why Stop the Bleed training is crucial. Accessible and Hands-on Learning Providence Holy Cross offers free Stop the Bleed classes for the community. These sessions provide comprehensive training on recognizing life-threatening bleeding and applying essential bleeding control techniques, such as pressure application, wound packing and tourniquet use. With a low ten-to-one instructor- to-student ratio, participants receive personalized attention and ample practice opportunities. Scheduling a Class Residents can access the course finder at stopthebleed.org to schedule a Stop the Bleed class, or they can be directed to the appropriate contact in their area by reaching out by email or phone. To learn more, contact Jeana Adams at jeana.miller@providence.org or 818- 496-4745.

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