Six St. Luke’s facilities earn trauma redesignation in 2025; Meridian advances to Level III

Every second counts in an emergency and trauma centers play a critical role in saving lives.  

Recently, the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council conducted site surveys at St. Luke’s Wood River, Meridian and Nampa to re-designate their trauma center status.  We’re proud to share that in all three site visits – Nampa, Meridian and Wood River – zero deficiencies were found, an incredible achievement and testament to St. Luke’s commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients.  

To be designated as a trauma center, hospitals must meet strict criteria and a set of standards set by the TSE Council and undergo a comprehensive site survey every three years to maintain their status. These site surveys evaluate many different areas of criteria including emergency protocols, staffing, equipment, and patient outcomes.  

“Our teams have put in an incredible amount of work to prepare for these site surveys,” says Andi Esslinger, St. Luke’s trauma program director. “It’s a systemwide effort that reflects our commitment to providing exceptional, life-saving care to our patients and communities.”  

“Just in case the level of our trauma teams’ success was not totally clear … we had three successful site surveys, making it a ‘hat trick,’” said Dr. Bob Korn. “That is three surveys within three days (Wood River, Nampa and Meridian) each with no deficiencies. We have great trauma teams. Earlier in the year, Magic Valley, McCall and Boise (pediatrics) also completed their surveys and redesignations. Congratulations and thank you!” 

Megan Jones, acute care surgery, APPs, expressed, “Thank you to our teams for everything you do. You put so much work into these trauma programs, and I am glad the surveyors saw that. Thank you for also always supporting the boots on the ground and advocating for us.” 

Meridian, initially designated in 2019 and the first trauma designation for a St. Luke’s hospital in the Treasure Valley, has now advanced to a Level III Trauma Center. Meridian joins Magic Valley as one of only a handful of Level III trauma centers in Idaho. 

Nampa and Wood River each had site surveys to earn their redesignation as Level IV Trauma Centers. Nampa was designated in 2023 and completed their first redesignation. Wood River received its first designation in 2019 and completed their second redesignation.  

About Trauma Level Designations 

In Idaho, hospitals can be designated as one of five trauma levels, each reflecting the scope and complexity of the care they can provide.  

Level IV trauma centers (Nampa, Wood River and McCall) are often located in smaller or more rural communities. They provide rapid assessment and stabilization for patients before they’re transferred to a higher-level and more specialized care center.  

Level III trauma centers (Meridian and Magic Valley) serve as regional hubs, capable of handling serious injuries, performing emergency surgeries and stabilizing patients without needing to be transferred.  

Level II trauma centers (St. Luke’s Children’s) offer even more comprehensive care, including specialized surgical teams and the most advanced trauma services.  

St. Luke’s Health System now has six hospitals designated as trauma centers, ensuring patients across our footprint have access to timely, life-saving care, closer to home.

Level II – St. Luke’s Children’s 

Level III – St. Luke’s Magic Valley and Meridian 

Level IV – St. Luke’s Nampa, McCall, and Wood River