Each month, Andrea Burch, President of Intermountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare.
Is Lutheran pursuing Level 1 trauma status, and what’s the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 center?
We are incredibly proud of the response from the community to our trauma services at the new location, and we continue to provide the highest level of trauma care to all of our patients. Lutheran has one of the busiest emergency departments in the Front Range, a testament to our caregivers’ high-quality care and the positive outcomes we see.
As a high-level trauma hospital, pursuing excellence in trauma care is a journey without an endpoint. Our relentless commitment to research, training, and the adoption of innovative technologies ensures that we stand at the forefront of medical advancements in this area.
In terms of the differences between a Level 1 and Level 2 trauma center, both provide comprehensive care for trauma patients, including 24-hour availability of highly trained personnel, state-of-the-art equipment, and specialized facilities. The primary distinction lies in the scope of research and educational programs. Level 1 centers often engage in more extensive training programs for physicians. However, both levels are equipped to handle severe and complex trauma cases, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.
This is typically a busy time of year for hospitals due to cold and flu season. Are you seeing an increase in patients due to these factors, and what advice would you offer our community to keep themselves healthy?
We have seen a rise in the trifecta of co-circulating winter viruses – influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. This is not unusual, and we are not concerned since people are returning from holiday travel and many family gatherings. What’s different this year is that public health officials also report an uptick in norovirus, an extremely contagious stomach illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a fourth seasonal illness we’re watching right now.
Hospitalizations associated with influenza and RSV are increasing slightly, and again, this is expected at this time of year when we see people spending more time indoors and near each other.
There are three simple tips to help prevent getting sick this year:
Get all your recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID-19, to prevent you and others you care about from getting sick. Flu, COVID-19, and other routine vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness, especially for those most at risk, including young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant.
Take everyday protective steps like covering coughs and sneezes (into a tissue), frequent handwashing, and staying home when sick. When you are ill, take antiviral medications when prescribed by your doctor so you feel better and faster.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your or your child’s risk for severe RSV, the potential benefits of RSV immunizations, and if your insurance covers the immunizations. Older adults are at greater risk for serious complications from RSV because our bodies weaken with age. Older adults with certain medical conditions may significantly benefit from the RSV vaccine. An RSV immunization can also now help protect all babies younger than 8 months and other high-risk young children from the leading cause of hospitalization in the United States.
What health-related or community events will you participate in this year?
We are very excited to participate in the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival again this year and hope to have an even bigger showing! We are also currently exploring other opportunities to participate in other community events such as the American Heart Association for the Heart Walk this summer.
If you have questions about the hospital or its programs please send them to my attention at WRgazette@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 303 999-5789.
