CORNING, NY (WENY) -- Officials with The Guthrie Clinic celebrated at Guthrie Corning Hospital Tuesday morning, announcing the facility has been designated a Provisional Level III Adult Trauma Center by the New York State Department of Health.

The Level III designation means the hospital will now have a 24-hour trauma team in place, as well as emergency medical supplies and specialized equipment designed specifically for treating traumatic injuries. The new designation is provisional, meaning it is awaiting verification by the American College of Surgeons. 

“Becoming a Level III Trauma Center reaffirms Guthrie’s commitment to our community’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Anne Rizzo, Trauma Medical Director. “This designation puts Guthrie at the forefront of health care systems in rural settings and solidifies our dedication to providing reliable and accessible emergency services for our patients.”

Currently, Guthrie's Robert Packer Hospital is an accredited Level I trauma center, and Guthrie Troy Community Hospital is a Level IV accredited trauma center.

“Guthrie Corning Hospital now joins Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and Guthrie Troy Community Hospital as designated/accredited trauma centers,” said Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO of The Guthrie Clinic. “With this new designation for Corning Hospital, multiple rural communities in our 12-county region will benefit from having access to trauma care close to home when they need it most.”