United General Medical Center recertified as Level IV trauma center
SEDRO-WOOLLEY - PeaceHealth United General Medical Center in Sedro-Woolley has been recertified as a Level IV trauma center for another three years.
Trauma center ratings are determined by the state, and recognize a hospital's ability to treat severe injuries.
The recertification comes as United General is treating significantly more trauma patients than it was just a few years ago. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of trauma patients seen at United General more than doubled.
United General's Emergency Department Assistant Nurse Manager Kelly Pearson said there isn't one specific reason for the increase.
Instead, she attributed it to a combination of population growth, increased access to healthcare and greater awareness of the hospital's services within the community.
To keep up with the growth and to continue providing comprehensive trauma care, United General has invested in additional training for its emergency department staff.
All emergency department physicians are board certified in emergency medicine, and all emergency department registered nurses hold trauma certifications.
"I am just glowing with pride for our team," Pearson said. "They have done so much work over the last few years and they are so willing and eager to obtain the education."
As a rural hospital, United General does not have access to every resource available at larger hospitals, such as blood banks.
For many trauma patients, care begins with assessment and stabilization before they are transferred to a Level I or Level II trauma center for more advanced treatment.
With those limitations, Pearson said the hospital's smaller size and place within a small community allows staff to provide a more personal level of care.
"Those that come from out of state or out of country are welcomed with the same open arms that we do our literal neighbor," Pearson said. "It's the best part of being at our facility."
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.