photo courtesy Guthrie.org
SAYRE – Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, located in Sayre has been designated a Level One Trauma by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation ( PTSF ).
Guthrie Robert Packer hospital now has the distinction of being the only Level One Trauma Center in the twelve county region the health care system serves. Prior to this designation, the closest Level One Trauma facilities were Geisinger Hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania as well as Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
A statement about the accreditation on the PTSF website reads: “The need for an accredited trauma center in this region is clearly demonstrated by the rural nature of the region and associated lifestyle (winding country roads, farming, hunting and off-road recreation), prevalence of blunt trauma in the region (falls, high-speed MVCs, motorcycles and ATVs), increase in elderly population presenting with falls, MVCs and associated traumatic injuries, the significant distances to other accredited or verified trauma centers and, additionally, the growth of the natural gas industry has increased the need for rural surgical services.”
A Level One Trauma Center designation indicates a facility is able to provide the highest level of care for patients who have suffered a traumatic injury. These injuries include, but are not limited to, injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, gunshot wounds, injuries sustained in serious car accidents, falls from elevated height, and more. Additionally, a Level one Trauma Center must have a full spectrum of staff specializing in trauma on hand to render care when needed.
The Level One Trauma Center designation for Guthrie Robert Packer was effective immediately as of yesterday and will last for three years.