MECHANICSBURG (October 11, 2007) -- For the first time in Pennsylvania, Level III Trauma Center accreditation status has been granted to one hospital for the period from November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008:

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Pottsville, PA

The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) is a non-profit corporation recognized by the Emergency Medical Services Act (Act 1985-45). The PTSF is the organization responsible for accrediting trauma centers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has been reviewing and surveying applicant hospitals since May of 1986.

Trauma centers are hospitals with resources immediately available to provide efficient surgical intervention to reduce the likelihood of death or permanent disability to injured patients. Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. They are not intended to replace the traditional hospital and its emergency department for minor injuries.

In Pennsylvania there are three levels of accredited trauma centers which must meet a stringent set of requirements. The creation of Level III Standards for Trauma Center Accreditation was mandated through passage of HB 100 which was signed into law in March 2004 by Governor Rendell. This year marks the first year that PTSF is accrediting a hospital as a Level III trauma center. A Level III trauma center is meant to serve the needs of patients in rural areas of a state. Their focus is to quickly diagnose and treat mild to moderate injuries. More severely injured patients are quickly stabilized and transported to higher level trauma centers.

Each trauma center regardless of its level is an integral component of the emergency medical services system. The EMS system includes appropriate patient care management from the time of injury to treatment at a local hospital and/or trauma center and through the rehabilitative phase of care.