Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center has been granted Level I Trauma Center accreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation.

As a Level I trauma center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley provides complex critical care for patients with life-threatening injuries 24/7. In addition, the hospital offers total care for every aspect of traumatic injury — from prevention through rehabilitation.

“Trauma programs like those at Geisinger are an important resource for all of our neighbors and communities as they provide the highest level of emergent care in times of need,” said Denise Torres, MD, chair of Geisinger’s Surgery Institute. “Our teams are always available to provide lifesaving care for those who need it.”

To receive the Level I designation, the hospital underwent a thorough review process that included an on-site review of its resources and capabilities to care for patients with severe traumatic injuries.

Richard Lopez, DO, director of trauma surgery at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, added, “When a traumatic injury occurs, every second counts — and I am so proud to have an experienced team providing specialized critical care to those in need right here in our community.”

Trauma centers are specialized hospitals, staffed and equipped to provide immediate, complex critical care for patients with severe or life-threatening injuries. Geisinger’s trauma programs rely on emergency room staff, Geisinger and local emergency medical services providers, Geisinger Life Flight and first responders across our communities to provide around-the-clock care.

“The Level I designation means our patients and the local community are getting the most specialized level of care. This accreditation reaffirms that our physicians, nurses and staff deliver the best possible outcomes for those we serve,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center joins Geisinger Medical Center in Danville as the system’s Level I trauma centers. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville are Level II trauma centers; and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are Level IV trauma centers.