Following a rigorous, 15-month review and on-site survey, Wynnewood’s Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health, has received Level II Trauma Center accreditation, effective Sept. 1, 2016, from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation.

This is Main Line Health’s second Level II Trauma Center, the first of which opened at Paoli Hospital in 2010.

For residents of Philadelphia’s western suburbs, this means that the Trauma Centers at Lankenau Medical Center and Paoli Hospital, in partnership with the EMS community, are greatly increasing the possibility of receiving lifesaving treatment within the Golden Hour (the first 60 minutes in which a trauma victim has the best chance of survival).

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire Lankenau Medical Center and Main Line Health team for their ongoing expertise, professionalism, dedication, and support throughout the accreditation process,” said Phil Robinson, President of Lankenau Medical Center.

“Bringing the specialized services of a Level II Trauma Center onto the Lankenau campus will enhance the ability of our EMS partners to rapidly transport trauma victims, helping to save the lives of many in the communities we serve.”

After a thorough Community Needs Assessment of its surrounding communities, Lankenau Medical Center identified the critical need to bring a Level II Trauma Center to its campus. The Community Needs Assessment found that, within the next five years, there will be an increase in trauma injuries because of the high population density and the increase in the number of senior residents in the counties surrounding Lankenau.

“The potential for increased trauma injuries underscores the importance of establishing the Level II Trauma Center at Lankenau Medical Center,” said Dr. Ehyal Shweiki, Medical Director of the Level II Trauma Center at Lankenau.

“The tremendous expertise and capabilities involved in the creation of this center has been truly remarkable. Building the infrastructure for the Trauma Center has involved the entire hospital — the Emergency Department, Diagnostic Services, Surgical Services, and many other areas — and has called for significant investments in staff, training, equipment, and protocol.”