HONESDALE, PA — As of November 1, Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) is a fully accredited Level IV trauma center. Accreditation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation was approved last month after an intense on-site survey in August. Level IV trauma centers are able to provide initial care and stabilization of traumatic injury—serious or critical bodily injury—while arranging transfer to a higher level of trauma care. Some of the most common traumatic injuries are caused by falls, motor vehicle crashes, burns and assaults.

Wayne Memorial CEO David Hoff called the accreditation a “win-win” for the hospital and the community.

 “This accreditation means Wayne Memorial is now part of the system of trauma care throughout the state,” said Hoff, “meaning the transition of care for trauma patients will be efficient when time is of the essence. Like our cardiac catheterization laboratory which opened a year ago, this service will undoubtedly save lives.”

The trauma accreditation process was spearheaded by Virginia Fries, RN, who developed Wayne Memorial’s Trauma program, collected documentation, prepared and led clinical reviews, oversaw training and prepared many departments for collaboration efforts.