Special to the WJH Memorial Satilla Health has officially been designated a Level IV Trauma Center by the Department of Health, marking a significant advancement in emergency care for the region.
The standing was celebrated last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the hospital’s Emergency Department entrance hosted in partnership with the Waycross- Ware County Chamber of Commerce.
It is the second significant honor for the ER in the past few weeks. The department was honored in mid-April with a 2025 HCA Healthcare “Unit of Distinction” Award, an annual company program recognizing its exemplary nursing units.
Previously, the region was designated by Georgia as a “trauma desert” due to limited access to services. Before MSH’s designation, the nearest trauma facilities were in Valdosta or Hinesville, both Level IV.
While all trauma centers have emergency rooms, not all ERs are trauma centers. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are five levels of trauma centers. These designations indicate a hospital's resources and capability to treat severe injuries, ranging from comprehensive, 24/7 specialized care (I) to initial stabilization and transfer (IV-V).
There are Level I units in Jacksonville and Savannah and a Level II facilities in Jacksonville and nearby Clay County.
“This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration of our team,” said MSH Chief Executive Officer Damon Barrett. “It speaks to our commitment to excellence and to showing up for our community when it matters most.”
As a Level IV center, MSH is equipped to provide rapid assessment, stabilization, and treatment for trauma patients, while strengthening coordination with regional trauma systems in Savannah and Jacksonville. This designation ensures patients can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home.
“Becoming a Level IV Trauma Center means care starts here,” said Caitlyn Walsh, Trauma Program Manager. “It means rapid assessment, immediate stabilization, and a highly trained team ready to act when seconds count.
“Beyond the clinical definition, it represents equity. Because, where you live should never determine whether you live.”
MSH was among 16 units last month across HCA Healthcare to earn a top honor, representing the highest-performing five percent of nursing groups in the company.
The ranking places it No. 1 for a high-volume ER.
