Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks is officially a Level IV Adult Trauma Center, making it the fifth Lehigh Valley Health Network hospital to receive trauma center accreditation.

The accreditation, approved by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation - the accrediting body for trauma centers - is effective as of Nov. 1.

Trauma centers typically treat patients injured in falls, motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents and other situations that produce life-threatening injuries. There are 50 approved trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with LVH–Hecktown Oaks the latest addition.

In addition to LVH–Hecktown Oaks, LVHN’s other accredited trauma centers are LVH–Cedar Crest (Adult Level I and Pediatric Level II), LVH–Muhlenberg (Level II), 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.

Level IV Trauma Centers provide enhanced care to injured patients within the emergency department and focus on stabilization and quick transfer to a higher-level trauma center. They may admit mildly injured patients.

Lehigh Valley Health Network 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. In 1985, when the PTSF was given the statutory authority to accredit trauma centers, LVH–Cedar Crest applied for accreditation as a Level I Trauma Center and was approved in 1986. It also is an accredited Level II Pediatric Trauma Center as well as a Regional Burn Center verified by the American Burn Center and a trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons.

“Achieving Level IV Trauma Center accreditation is a great milestone for this facility, which has been open for less than two years. We’re providing trauma care, close to home, when it’s needed most,” said Luis Puentes, president for LVH–Hecktown Oaks.

LVH–Hecktown Oaks has a helipad, and its spacious trauma bay features specialized equipment along with the latest technology, including indigo lighting, which helps to prevent infections and hospital-acquired illnesses.