Berlin, NH- January 21, 2026 – Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH), a rural critical access hospital serving Coös County, was recently designated a Level IV Trauma Center, a significant milestone that enhances emergency medical care for patients experiencing traumatic injuries close to home.
The designation, awarded by the New Hampshire Department of Safety, recognizes Androscoggin Valley Hospital’s ability to provide rapid assessment, stabilization, and life-saving treatment for trauma patients, while coordinating timely transfers to higher-level trauma centers when needed.
The designation is especially impactful for rural communities, where access to trauma care can be limited by distance and weather conditions. By strengthening local emergency response, AVH helps reduce delays in care and supports better outcomes for patients with serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents, recreational vehicle accidents, and hiking-related incidents.
“This designation reflects our commitment to providing high-quality emergency care for our community,” said Tom Mee, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Healthcare (NCH), of which AVH is an affiliate hospital. “For rural patients, minutes matter. As a Level IV Trauma Center, our patients can receive critical, immediate care locally during some of life’s most serious emergencies.”
As a Level IV Trauma Center, AVH maintains:
- 24/7 emergency department coverage
- Advanced trauma life support trained providers
- Trauma assessment, stabilization, and resuscitation capabilities
- Established transfer protocols with regional Level I–III trauma centers
- Ongoing trauma education, performance improvement, and community outreach
“This achievement is the result of incredible teamwork,” said Tiffany Haynes, Chief Nursing Officer for North Country Healthcare. “Our physicians, nurses, EMS partners, and support staff worked tirelessly to meet rigorous trauma standards and ensure our community has access to safe, reliable emergency care.”
AVH will continue collaborating with local emergency medical services, law enforcement, and regional trauma centers to enhance trauma readiness and improve injury prevention efforts throughout the community. For more information about AVH and its emergency services, visit www.northcountryhealth.org.
