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Lehigh Valley, Pa. (Dec. 7, 2023) – Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks continues growing its expertise in caring for patients and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark, both for Acute Stroke Ready status. LVH–Hecktown Oaks is also reaccredited as a Level IV Adult Trauma Center.
Acute Stroke Ready status
“Receiving Acute Stroke Ready status from The Joint Commission shows our community high-quality, lifesaving stroke care is available close to home,” says Steven Lewis, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute. “The community is in good hands with LVH–Hecktown Oaks because our team of nurses, physicians and support staff uses a combination of expertise, experience and leading-edge technology to treat stroke.”
To be certified Acute Stroke Ready and to receive the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark, LVH–Hecktown Oaks underwent a rigorous on-site survey by representatives from The Joint Commission.
Hospitals that receive this certification meet The Joint Commission’s strict standards for providing standardized care and use evidence-based guidelines. Certified hospitals must provide 24/7 stroke care, and specialists must be trained to administer medication to treat stroke emergencies.
“LVH–Hecktown Oaks’ certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, RN, Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend LVH–Hecktown Oaks for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
Level IV Adult Trauma Center
LVH–Hecktown Oaks achieved reaccreditation as a Level IV Adult Trauma Center. As an accredited trauma center, LVH–Hecktown Oaks provides enhanced care to injured patients, focusing on stabilization and, if necessary, quick transfer to a higher‐level trauma center for complex injuries. In addition, colleagues participate in education programs which promote injury prevention and awareness, helping to improve overall health and well-being in the community.
“As a Level IV Trauma Center, clinical colleagues at LVH–Hecktown Oaks can provide fast and reliable trauma care within minutes,” says Joseph Pinto, President, LVH–Hecktown Oaks. “Our community can have peace of mind knowing we can provide lifesaving emergency care when it’s needed most.”
Trauma centers are hospitals with special expertise in caring for patients with life-threatening injuries as a result of falls, motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents and other causes. There are 52 accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania.
“These stroke and trauma achievements show the community we have advanced clinical capabilities and can provide fast, reliable care close to home,” says Pinto. “Achievements like this help us to grow as a hospital and community partner.”
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) includes 13 hospital campuses, four in Allentown, two in Bethlehem, one in Easton, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton, two in Pottsville, one in Dickson City, and one in Lehighton, Pa.; 28 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 20 ExpressCARE locations including the area’s only Children’s ExpressCARE; pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care for adults and children, burn care at the Regional Burn Center; kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and robotic surgery in 10 specialties. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute and Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance (MSK Cancer Alliance), an initiative that helps community providers improve the quality of cancer care and offers access to MSK clinical trials. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the community’s first and most trusted children’s hospital, provides access to the most pediatric specialties in the region and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) is ranked 27th in the country for orthopedic care and among the top 10 hospitals in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report. LVH is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the top hospital in the Allentown metro area for the 10th year in a row. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the region’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence. Additional information is available by visiting LVHN.org or following us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram.
Information provided to TVL by:
Brian Downs
Public Information Officer
Marketing and Public Affairs
Lehigh Valley Health Network
LVHN.org
