Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022. Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.” Commonwealth Health’s network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health. Commonwealth Health and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have announced a strategic alignment to transform the offering and delivery of orthopedic care and services in Northeastern PA. We expect to begin to serve patients through the affiliation in late summer 2023. Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth. Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.” Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services. The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement. To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023. To help the community live healthier, Commonwealth Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at commonwealthhealth.net.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Receives Level I Trauma Accreditation Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center has been granted Level I Trauma Center accreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. As a Level I trauma center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley provides complex critical care for patients with life-threatening injuries 24/7. In addition, the hospital offers total care for every aspect of traumatic injury — from prevention through rehabilitation. “Trauma programs like those at Geisinger are an important resource for all of our neighbors and communities as they provide the highest level of emergent care in times of need,” said Denise Torres, MD, chair of Geisinger’s Surgery Institute. “Our teams are always available to provide lifesaving care for those who need it.” To receive the Level I designation, the hospital underwent a thorough review process that included an on-site review of its resources and capabilities to care for patients with severe traumatic injuries. Richard Lopez, DO, director of trauma surgery at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, added, “When a traumatic injury occurs, every second counts — and I am so proud to have an experienced team providing specialized critical care to those in need right here in our community.” Trauma centers are specialized hospitals, staffed and equipped to provide immediate, complex critical care for patients with severe or life-threatening injuries. Geisinger’s trauma programs rely on emergency room staff, Geisinger and local emergency medical services providers, Geisinger Life Flight and first responders across our communities to provide around-the-clock care. “The Level I designation means our patients and the local community are getting the most specialized level of care. This accreditation reaffirms that our physicians, nurses and staff deliver the best possible outcomes for those we serve,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center joins Geisinger Medical Center in Danville as the system’s Level I trauma centers. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville are Level II trauma centers; and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are Level IV trauma centers.
