WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital has been accredited as a Level IV trauma center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. This designation, effective from the start of the year, allows the hospital to provide critical care and stabilization for traumatic injuries, while arranging transfers to higher-level trauma centers when necessary.
The accreditation complements WellSpan York Hospital, which is a Level I regional resource trauma center. Together, these two facilities are the only accredited trauma centers in York, Adams, and Franklin counties, serving over one million residents.
According to the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, appropriate treatment at these centers can significantly reduce the risk of death and permanent disability. Michael Cogliano, vice president of WellSpan Health and president of WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, emphasized the importance of this designation, stating, "With traumatic injuries, every second counts, and having this designation at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital reflects our ability to support our community with life-saving care close to home."
Dr. Daniel Carney, trauma surgeon and trauma program medical director at WellSpan Health, highlighted the dedication of the trauma teams, who are trained to provide critical care 24/7. He noted the multidisciplinary approach involving providers, nurses, and other key individuals that makes the trauma center a vital community resource.