DARLINGTON — Lafayette Hospital + Clinics has earned Level IV trauma care classification through the State of Wisconsin’s Trauma Program. 

As a Level IV trauma care facility, Lafayette Hospital + Clinics provides stabilization and advanced trauma life support prior to patient transfer to a Level I or II Trauma Center. To achieve this, Lafayette Hospital + Clinics demonstrated all criteria required by Wisconsin Administrative code § DHS 118 Appendix A, through a comprehensive application and site visit with clinical experts. 

“We congratulate Lafayette Hospital and Clinics for achieving this level of trauma care,” said Paula Tran, State Health Officer. “Their voluntary participation in the Wisconsin Trauma System shows their commitment to providing quality trauma care to their community.”

Unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death of Wisconsinites. In 2022, Wisconsin trauma care facilities entered 42,564 injury events into the Wisconsin Trauma Registry. The goal of Wisconsin’s Trauma Care System is to reduce death and disability from traumatic injury by providing the best possible care to trauma patients and their families. Classified trauma facilities play a critical role within the inclusive, voluntary Wisconsin Trauma Care System. 

“We are honored to again receive this classification as a level IV trauma care facility. To maintain this level is truly impressive, and we commend our staff for their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care to our trauma patients. Additionally, I would like to extend thanks to our staff for their continued dedication to excellent patient care,” said Marie Wamsley, CEO. 

“Rural Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and emergency departments are more than healthcare facilities — they are lifelines for their communities,” said Paul Stadel, RN, Emergency Department Manager. “Our rural service area spans a large distance with a unique patient population. CAHs ensure timely care in life-threatening situations like heart attacks, strokes or trauma. The Emergency Department at LHC, works very hard to be prepared to stabilize their patients during their critical time of need. That is why we are dedicated to maintaining our Level IV Trauma Care certification, it’s better for our patients and the communities we serve. We are here for the community 24/7.”

About Lafayette Hospital + Clinics 

Lafayette Hospital + Clinics (LHC) opened in April 2025, continuing a legacy of healthcare excellence in the region. As a 24-bed critical access hospital and Rural Health Clinic (RHC), LHC provides a full spectrum of acute care inpatient and outpatient services. Uniquely, it remains the only county-owned hospital in the state of Wisconsin. Formerly known as Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC) — originally established in 1952 — LHC continues to grow and evolve to meet the healthcare needs of residents in Lafayette County and the surrounding communities.