Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital designated Level IV trauma center

RecordStaffOctober 29, 2021Last Updated: October 29, 2021

1 minute read

GJSH Level IV Trauma: Christopher Cardillo, D.O., a GJSH emergency medicine physician, and Amy Swarthout, RN, BSN, GJSH stroke and trauma coordinator, simulate care for a trauma patient in GJSH’s emergency room.

JERSEY SHORE, PA – Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has been granted Level IV Trauma Center accreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, adding important resources for the community when the trauma designation goes into effect on Nov. 1.

As a Level IV trauma center, Geisinger Jersey Shore will be able to provide enhanced care to injured patients within the hospitals’ emergency departments and stabilize and transfer patients to higher-level trauma centers, if needed. In order to receive the designation, both hospitals went through a thorough review process that included an onsite review of each hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for patients with traumatic injuries.

“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 Dr. Denise Torres, Geisinger’s trauma medical director. “Our teams are always available to provide life-saving care for those who need it. This newest accredited trauma center at Jersey Shore is part of our continued investment in bringing these vital services closer to home for our neighbors.”

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 reach across emergency department staff, Geisinger and local emergency medical services providers, Geisinger Life Flight and first responders across our communities to provide 24/7 care.

“Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital’s Trauma Center experts provide specialized resources and services to patients suffering from traumatic injuries while arranging transfer to a higher level of care by ambulance or helicopter when necessary. This designation ensures the community of our commitment to making better health easier,” said Tammy Anderer, MSN, CRNP, PhD, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s North-Central Region.

: A Geisinger Life Flight helicopter lifts off from the helipad at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital. The hospital helipad went into service earlier this year.

In addition to Geisinger Jersey Shore, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital also received its Level IV Trauma Center accreditation, effective Nov. 1. Other Geisinger trauma centers throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania include: Geisinger Medical Center in Danville is a Level I trauma center; Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville are Level II trauma centers.