LVH–Schuylkill Reaccredited as Level IV Adult Trauma Center

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill is reaccredited as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF), the accrediting body for trauma centers, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Level IV Trauma Centers provide enhanced care to injured patients within the emergency department and focus on stabilization and can admit patients with mild injuries. They can also quickly transfer patients to a higher‐level trauma center. Trauma centers often treat injuries resulting from falls, motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents and other life-threatening injuries. Level IV Trauma Centers may admit patients with mild injuries. There are 51 approved trauma centers in Pennsylvania; LVH–Schuylkill is the latest addition.

“A Level IV Trauma Center accreditation shows our community we are committed to providing fast, lifesaving care close to home,” says Terry Purcell, President, LVH–Schuylkill. “This milestone underscores our dedication to delivering critical treatments when they are needed most.”

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

LVHN has had a formal trauma program since 1978 and was the first hospital designated as a trauma center by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 1981. Four years later, LVH–Cedar Crest applied for a Level I Trauma Center accreditation by the PTSF and was approved in 1986. It also is an accredited Level II Pediatric Trauma Center and a Regional Burn Center verified by the American Burn Center and a trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons.