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New London Today
By the People, for the People
L+M Hospital Earns New Trauma Center Designation
The New London hospital has been awarded a Level III Trauma Center status, requiring new patient bays and 24/7 emergency surgeon availability.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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L+M Hospital in New London, Connecticut has been awarded a Level III Trauma Center designation by the American College of Surgeons and the state of Connecticut. This designation required the hospital to add new trauma patient bays, ensure emergency surgeons are available at all times, and meet other strict criteria to provide definitive care for patients with mild to moderate injuries.
Why it matters
The new trauma center designation means patients in the New London area will have access to specialized trauma care closer to home, rather than having to be transported further away. Studies show the odds of a patient's death increase by 8% for every 5 miles they are from a trauma center, and the nearest trauma center to L+M is 18 miles away.
The details
To earn the Level III Trauma Center designation, L+M had to meet 111 different criteria, including adding new trauma patient bays equipped like mini-operating rooms, ensuring 24/7 availability of emergency surgeons, and having operating rooms ready within a certain timeframe. The hospital also had to implement community outreach programs, like one for trauma survivors.
- L+M began the process to attain the new trauma designation in 2021.
- The hospital's emergency department renovation project, which included the new trauma bays, is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
The players
L+M Hospital
A hospital in New London, Connecticut that has been awarded a Level III Trauma Center designation by the American College of Surgeons and the state of Connecticut.
Dr. Stephanie Eosten Joyce
A surgeon and the trauma medical director at L+M Hospital.
Jessica Mancarella
A registered nurse and the trauma program manager at L+M Hospital.
What they’re saying
“It's essentially a mini-operating room. We can fit a lot of people and equipment in here to take care of trauma victims, including car accidents involving multiple people or gunshot victims.”
— Dr. Stephanie Eosten Joyce, Surgeon and Trauma Medical Director (theday.com)
“The odds of a patient's death increases by 8% for every five miles they are (away) from a trauma center. And the nearest center to us is 18 miles away.”
— Jessica Mancarella, Trauma Program Manager (theday.com)
“Trauma is the ultimate team sport.”
— Jessica Mancarella, Trauma Program Manager (theday.com)
What’s next
The hospital's emergency department renovation project, which included the new trauma bays, is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
The takeaway
The new Level III Trauma Center designation at L+M Hospital in New London, Connecticut will provide critical trauma care closer to home for patients in the local community, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the risk of death compared to having to travel further to access a trauma center.
