New London, CT (Feb. 3, 2026 ) – Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (L+M) has been officially verified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and designated as a Level III Trauma Center, recognizing the hospital’s strong commitment to delivering high‑quality trauma care to patients across southeastern Connecticut.
The ACS verification confirms that L+M meets rigorous international standards for the prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgical abilities and stabilization of injured patients. As the region’s only acute care hospital, this new status ensures that both residents and visitors can access lifesaving trauma services and follow-up care close to home.
Planning for the trauma verification began in tandem with L+M’s ongoing Emergency Department renovation project, scheduled for completion later this year. Along with expanded private treatment rooms, the renovated ED will feature two dedicated trauma rooms equipped with specialized technology to treat critically injured patients.
“Having a verified and designated trauma center reduces death and disability for injured people and makes our community safer,” said surgeon Stephanie Joyce MD, who serves as Trauma medical director. She noted that in 2025 alone, the hospital treated more than 870 trauma patients.
“Earning Level III Trauma Center designation reflects the dedication, expertise, compassion, and skills of our staff,” said Jessica Mancarella, RN, trauma program manager, who led the voluntary three-year review process. “Their commitment to excellence ensures that patients and families in our community have access to trusted, high‑quality trauma care when they need it most.”
The ACS verification process includes a comprehensive evaluation of a hospital’s resources, capabilities, and performance in trauma care. To achieve Level III status, hospitals must provide 24‑hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians, along with prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists. Additionally, they must demonstrate ongoing leadership in injury prevention efforts, ensure continuing education for staff involved in trauma care, and participate in national benchmarking of trauma outcomes.
L+M’s verification highlights the hospital’s dedication to improving patient outcomes through coordinated, patient‑centered care. Its trauma program brings together specialized personnel, state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and evidence-based protocols to effectively manage a wide spectrum of traumatic injuries.
L+M, part of Yale New Haven Health, joins other trauma‑designated hospitals across the health system: Bridgeport Hospital (Level II), Greenwich Hospital (Level III), and Yale New Haven Hospital (Level I).
Lawrence + Memorial (L+M) Hospital, a member of Yale New Haven Health, is a not-for-profit, acute care hospital that has served patients since 1912. L+M is licensed for 308 beds, employs more than 2,000 people and serves shoreline towns between Rhode Island and the Connecticut River, as well as the residents of Fishers Island, NY. L+M provides comprehensive care with expertise in emergency, cardiac, minimally invasive surgery, obstetrics, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy and rehabilitation, psychiatric and laboratory services. The Smilow Cancer Hospital in Waterford provides medical oncology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology services.www.lmhospital.org
