The Trauma team at L+M Hospital worked hard to achieve a Level III designation
L+M Hospital 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 high‑quality trauma care for patients across southeastern Connecticut.
L+M now joins Bridgeport Hospital (Level II), Greenwich Hospital (Level III), and Yale New Haven Hospital (Level I) in a system team of Yale New Haven Health trauma-designated hospitals.
“Having a verified and designated trauma center reduces death and disability for injured people and makes our community safer,” said Stephanie Joyce, MD, section chief of General Surgery and Trauma medical director, L+M, and associate professor of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine. She noted that in 2025 alone, the hospital treated more than 870 trauma patients.
“Earning Level III Trauma Center designation reflects our staff’s dedication, expertise, compassion and skills,” 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.”
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.
The ACS verification confirms that L+M meets rigorous international standards for prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgical treatment and stabilization of injured patients. The 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.
