Dr. Frederick Rogers, Trauma Program Medical Director, and Brenda Ulrich, Nurse Manager for Perioperative Services, are ready at a moment’s notice to treat patients in the new trauma operating room at Lancaster General Hospital.

Time is critical when providing care and treatment to trauma patients with potentially life-threatening injuries. At Lancaster General Hospital, a new operating room (O.R.) dedicated to trauma patients provides our medical staff with the most advanced tools available to provide quality emergency care the moment that it’s needed.

The spacious, well-equipped O.R. boasts the latest imaging equipment. “The operating room contains digital technologies that allow us to transfer radiologic images faster,” says Donna Straley, BSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Perioperative Services at Lancaster General.

“When a patient comes into the O.R. and we take X-rays, we can immediately send the images to the radiologist and the surgeon who will be treating the patient, even while they are still in a different part of the hospital,” Donna says. “This improves our communication and enables the surgeon to create his or her plan of care sooner.”

Designed for Flexibility

At nearly 730 square feet, the new O.R. is currently the hospital’s largest operating room. Designed for flexibility, the room can even function as an open-heart procedure O.R. if necessary.

More than one surgical procedure can be performed at a time, which is often necessary while treating trauma patients. The location of the room allows direct, efficient patient flow into and out of the surgical area.

The O.R. has a broad temperature range to enhance the care of trauma patients—this is essential for patients who may have become hypothermic prior to admission.

“Temperature control is very important for trauma patients,” Donna says. “Lancaster General has done studies and learned that, no matter what time of year, trauma patients typically enter the hospital at a much lower body temperature than normal. The new O.R. has a very fast room re-warming process that can elevate the room temperature quickly.”

The new O.R. illustrates Lancaster General Hospital's long-time commitment to excellence in trauma care.

“Our trauma team of highly qualified physicians, nurses and technicians has been providing state-of-the-art care for 20 years,” says Frederick B. Rogers, M.D., Trauma Program Medical Director. Lancaster General Hospital offers the only accredited Level 2 Trauma Center in Lancaster County.

“This new trauma O.R. gives our experienced team an even greater capacity for delivering life-saving care for the people in Lancaster County who depend on us.”