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Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks Now Level IV Trauma Center

Facility in central Northampton County part of comprehensive LVHN trauma network

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Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks Now Level IV Trauma Center

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks is officially a Level IV Adult Trauma Center, making it the fifth Lehigh Valley Health Network hospital to receive trauma center accreditation.

The accreditation, approved by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) – the accrediting body for trauma centers – is effective Nov. 1, 2022.

Trauma centers are hospitals with special expertise in caring for patients with life threatening injuries as a result of falls, motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents and other causes. There are 50 accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with LVH–Hecktown Oaks being the latest addition.

“Achieving Level IV Trauma Center accreditation is a great milestone for this facility, which has been open for less than two years. We’re providing trauma care, close to home, when it’s needed most,” - Luis Puentes, President, LVH–Hecktown Oaks.

In addition to LVH–Hecktown Oaks, LVHN’s other accredited trauma centers are LVH–Cedar Crest (Adult Level I and Pediatric Level II), LVH–Muhlenberg (Level II), LVH–Pocono (Level III) and LVH–Hazleton (Level IV), making LVHN the only health network in Pennsylvania to achieve all levels of adult trauma center accreditation.

Level IV Trauma Centers provide enhanced care to injured patients focusing on stabilization and quick transfer to a higher‐level trauma center for complex injuries. They may admit mildly injured patients.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has had a formal trauma program since July 1978. In 1981, LVH–Cedar Crest became the first trauma center to be designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In 1985, when the PTSF was given the statutory authority to accredit trauma centers, LVH–Cedar Crest applied for accreditation as a Level I Trauma Center and was approved in 1986. It has also been an accredited Level II Pediatric Trauma Center since 1991 when PTSF added that level of accreditation to the Pennsylvania trauma system. LVH–Cedar Crest is also a verified Regional Burn Center by the American Burn Center Association.

“Achieving Level IV Trauma Center accreditation is a great milestone for this facility, which has been open for less than two years. We’re providing trauma care, close to home, when it’s needed most,” said Luis Puentes, President, LVH–Hecktown Oaks.

LVH–Hecktown Oaks has a helipad, and its spacious trauma bay features specialized equipment along with the latest technology, including indigo lighting, which helps to prevent infections and hospital-acquired illnesses.

Trauma Care

You can expect high-level trauma care at Lehigh Valley Health Network's accredited trauma centers located in eastern Pennsylvania.

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