BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Health care officials on Wednesday broke ground on a new expansion of the emergency department at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.
Planned for completion in Fall 2026, the expansion will just about double the size of the existing emergency room at the hospital campus at 2545 Schoenersville Road, according to Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.
Some of its services will include:
- A total 83 beds, about twice the number now at the facility
- Enhanced trauma program, building on the hospital’s designation as a Level II trauma center
- Two trauma bays, two resuscitation bays
- 26-bed trauma recovery space with physical therapy gym
- Helipad
- Pediatric treatment area modeled after the one at LVH-Hecktown Oaks
- Rooms dedicated for bariatric patient care
- An expansion of X-ray, ultrasound and CAT scan capabilities
- Waiting area cafe
'Fewer delays, faster diagnoses'
Jim Miller, president of Jefferson Health-Lehigh East Region, said the expansion comes in response to an ever-increasing in-patient volume of emergency medical needs.
“This new space will incorporate leading-edge technology, modernized treatment areas and improved patient-flow system, ensuring a more efficient and effective response to medical emergencies,” Miller said.
“Expanding our emergency department means fewer delays, faster diagnoses and better patient experiences, which are all critical in improving health outcomes for our neighbors.”
“Our incredible physicians, nurses and staff deserve a facility that allows them to do their best work; this expansion will give them the space and resources necessary."LVH-Muhlenberg COO Keith Micucci
LVH-Muhlenberg Chief Operating Officer Keith Micucci said a first-rate staff should have a first-rate facility for their craft.
“Our incredible physicians, nurses and staff deserve a facility that allows them to do their best work," Micucci said. "This expansion will give them the space and resources necessary."
The project is LVHN’s ninth new emergency department expansion since 2020.
Dr. David Burmeister, LVHN chief medical officer and chair of the department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine said his team is “building for growth.”
The campus building at 2597 Schoenersville Road, currently home to services such as pulmonary and critical care medicine and breast health services, will be taken down.
Most of its services will be relocated and expanded at LVHN Tower Place at the former Martin Tower site in West Bethlehem and LVPG-Madison Farms in Bethlehem Township, officials said.
