LVH–Hecktown Oaks Continues Growing Expertise

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks continues growing its expertise in caring for patients and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark, both for Acute Stroke Ready status. LVH–Hecktown Oaks is also reaccredited as a Level IV Adult Trauma Center.

“Receiving Acute Stroke Ready status from The Joint Commission shows our community high-quality, lifesaving stroke care is available close to home,” says Steven Lewis, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute. “The community is in good hands with LVH–Hecktown Oaks because our team of nurses, physicians and support staff uses a combination of expertise, experience and leading-edge technology to treat stroke.”

To be certified Acute Stroke Ready and to receive the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark,  LVH–Hecktown Oaks underwent a rigorous on-site survey by representatives from The Joint Commission.

Hospitals that receive this certification meet The Joint Commission’s strict standards for providing standardized care and use evidence-based guidelines. Certified hospitals must provide 24/7 stroke care, and specialists must be trained to administer medication to treat stroke emergencies.

“LVH–Hecktown Oaks’ certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend LVH–Hecktown Oaks for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

LVH–Hecktown Oaks achieved reaccreditation as a Level IV Adult Trauma Center. As an accredited trauma center, LVH–Hecktown Oaks provides enhanced care to injured patients, focusing on stabilization and, if necessary, quick transfer to a higher‐level trauma center for complex injuries. In addition, colleagues participate in education programs which promote injury prevention and awareness, helping to improve overall health and well-being in the community.

“As a Level IV Trauma Center, clinical colleagues at LVH–Hecktown Oaks can provide fast and reliable trauma care within minutes,” says Joseph Pinto, President, LVH–Hecktown Oaks. “Our community can have peace of mind knowing we can provide lifesaving emergency care when it’s needed most.”

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 52 accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania. 

“These stroke and trauma achievements show the community we have advanced clinical capabilities and can provide fast, reliable care close to home,” says Pinto. “Achievements like this help us to grow as a hospital and community partner.”