There’s no place quite like NEPA. The region’s history of coal mining still influences a powerful work ethic. Community is everything. And cultural traditions endure, reflected in festivals, language and food.
Geisinger, created just outside this special spot, has worked to respect northeastern Pennsylvania’s unique aspects while becoming a trusted health partner in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, across the Poconos and within the area’s patchwork of rural townships and small communities.
The counties’ diversity, with 2 urban centers and vast rural areas, presents opportunities and challenges. Hospitals in the cities put great care close to home for many, but Geisinger also takes seriously its responsibility to serve everyone. That means making sure clinics, outreach and the latest technology for telehealth and information-sharing are up to date and widely available.
The area’s population is aging, and some health issues, such as diabetes and certain cancers, are persistent. Physician and nursing shortages are problems Geisinger and local leaders are working to address. And we have a special mission to provide sensitive, accessible care for pockets of non-English speakers.
Caring for a place as special as NEPA requires careful consideration, thoughtful use of resources and people who look ahead to address looming problems before they grow. Fortunately, Geisinger is here for the long haul and committed to listening and collaborating with everyone who calls this place home.
Two cities, two top-notch hospitals
Those outside the region might conflate Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. But the cities are independent, different and each deserving of a great hospital that meets local needs.
In the early 1980s, Geisinger joined with other Luzerne County hospitals to form a more efficient, stronger healthcare hub: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Recently, the hospital earned 5 stars on Forbes’ ranking of U.S. general acute care hospitals, and a $900 million investment will nearly double its size and improve its services.
The merger of Geisinger and Scranton’s Community Medical Center in 2012, creating Geisinger Community Medical Center, brought a new investment in neurosciences, cardiovascular care and other specialties to the city and surrounding communities.
The hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades® as 1 of America’s 250 Best Hospitals™ for overall care, ranking it among the top 5% of hospitals nationally in hospital-wide performance. Geisinger Community Medical Center also received Clinical Excellence Awards in 4 specialties:
Heart failure
Stroke
Pulmonary care
Critical care
In recent years, Geisinger has invested nearly $50 million in Lackawanna County, expanding emergency care, diagnostic capabilities and patient transport.