Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Muhlenberg Officially Cuts the Ribbon on Its Level II Trauma Center

With the soggy remnants of Hurricane Ida in the rearview mirror, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg basked in sunshine Monday (Sept. 13) to officially cut the ribbon on its new Level II trauma center.

The trauma center has officially been operating since Sept. 1.

LVH–Muhlenberg offers the following around the clock:

• In-house trauma surgeon coverage
• In-house operating room availability and anesthesia coverage
• Neurosurgical coverage with LVH–Muhlenberg dedicated providers
• Orthopedic trauma coverage
• Expanded surgical subspecialty services including plastic and hand surgery

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Muhlenberg is the fourth Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) hospital to receive trauma center accreditation.

LVH–Cedar Crest is a Level I Adult Trauma Center, an accredited Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center and an ABA/ACS Verified Regional Burn Center. In addition to LVH–Muhlenberg and LVH–Cedar Crest, LVHN’s other accredited trauma centers are 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.

Ribbon-cutting kudos

“This is an incredible accomplishment. It took planning, commitment and drive to meet exacting standards and show we could consistently operate under those standards and in the face of a global pandemic,” said Bob Begliomini, president, LVH–Muhlenberg. “It’s a great day for LVH–Muhlenberg and those we care for.”

“The importance of becoming a Level II trauma center here at Muhlenberg can’t be overstated. It benefits the whole community and will pay dividends in lives saved,” said Jeffrey Kuklinski, DO, Chief, Division of Emergency Medical Services, LVHN.

Kuklinski said LVHN’s EMS partners were a significant factor in helping LVH–Muhlenberg get its trauma center designation.

“Their efforts have included help with developing and refining our trauma triage criteria, participation in trauma alert simulations, and their continued coordination in patient care,” he said. “Without the continued efforts of our EMS partners, the trauma program would not be the success it is today. They are first on the scene, first to care for trauma victims and what they do makes a difference.”

Joseph Stirparo, MD, Trauma Center Chief, LVH–Muhlenberg, said trauma is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for those under 45. “It comes without warning and swift, expert medical attention is critical to saving lives. As medical professionals, as healers, we are up to that task,” he said.

Stirparo thanked everyone who worked toward the trauma center designation. “Whether your part was large or small, it mattered and is appreciated,” he said.

Praise from former trauma patient, elected officials

Congratulations on the new trauma center came Monday from former trauma center patient Alex Kane as well as Stephanie Augello, executive assistant to Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez.

“The addition of this trauma center adds to an already impressive list of services for Bethlehem and the entire region,” Augello said. “You strive to be the best. I think Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, for whom this hospital was named, would be proud of all that has occurred here in the past 60 years. He’d be proud – as are we – of the dedication to compassion and healing that has always been a hallmark of care here.”

LVHN also received a resolution from State Sen. Lisa Boscola (D – Lehigh, Northampton) marking the new trauma center.