LVHN Trauma Centers: Your Questions, Answered

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg officially became a Level II adult trauma center on Sept. 1, 2021.

We realize there might be questions about trauma centers, the designation level they receive, and more. We asked Joseph Stirparo, MD, trauma surgeon and Trauma Program Medical Director for LVH–Muhlenberg, to provide the answers to five of them.

Q: Why did Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) feel a trauma center was needed at LVH–Muhlenberg?

A: The decision to have an adult trauma center at LVH–Muhlenberg was based on the idea of caring for patients in the community where they live. It’s quality care, close to home.

Q: What’s the difference between the Level II LVH–Muhlenberg adult trauma center and the trauma center at LVH–Cedar Crest?

A: They’re very similar in capability and what types of patients they can care for. A Level I adult trauma center also has trauma research and a surgical residency program. The trauma center at LVH–Cedar Crest is a combined Adult Level I/Pediatric Level II trauma center.

Q: What sort of injuries are most commonly treated at a trauma center?

A: Injuries from falls and motor vehicle accidents are the most common, but trauma can occur in many ways, such as gunshot or stab wounds. The doctors and staff at LVH–Muhlenberg are trained to provide superior care for any seriously injured patient.

Q: How unique is a hospital trauma center in Pennsylvania?

A: As of Sept. 1, 2021, Pennsylvania has 46 trauma centers ranging from Level IV up to Level I. LVHN is the only health care system in the state with trauma centers in each level of designation. LVHN 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. Trauma center accreditation is now handled by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. Our LVHN trauma system includes:

• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest: Level I Adult Trauma Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg: Level II Adult Trauma Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest: Level II Pediatric Trauma Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono: Level III Adult Trauma Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton: Level IV Trauma Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hecktown Oaks: Pursuing Level IV Trauma Center

Q: Can a trauma patient decide which trauma center they go to?

A: The statewide trauma system is designed to care for critically injured trauma patients via rapid transport to the nearest trauma center. Patients who are clinically stable may be given the option to choose their preferred trauma center.