World-Class Healthcare in the Lehigh Valley
Allentown residents are fortunate to live in one of the strongest healthcare regions in Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley is served by two major health systems, Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, and St. Luke's University Health Network. Together, they operate nationally recognized hospitals, Level I trauma centers, children's services, cancer institutes, and teaching programs that train the next generation of physicians.
Healthcare is also one of the largest employers in the region, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and attracting top medical talent. For patients, this means access to advanced treatments close to home, without needing to travel to Philadelphia or New York for specialized care.
How We Selected These Hospitals
We considered the range of services, specialty programs, trauma and emergency capabilities, quality recognition, accessibility for Allentown residents, and patient experience. The list includes hospitals located in Allentown as well as nearby facilities that Allentown families regularly rely on.
The Top 10 Hospitals Serving Allentown
1. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is the flagship hospital of Lehigh Valley Health Network and one of the most recognized hospitals in Pennsylvania. It operates a Level I adult trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center, a regional burn center, and advanced cardiac and cancer programs. It frequently earns recognition in national hospital rankings for clinical excellence.
2. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital
Located on the Cedar Crest campus, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital is dedicated to pediatric care. It offers a pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care, pediatric emergency services, and a wide range of pediatric specialists. Families value having comprehensive children's care close to home.
3. Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street
Situated in central Allentown, Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street serves the city's urban neighborhoods with emergency care, inpatient services, behavioral health, and community health programs. It plays a vital role in improving access to care for residents throughout the city.
4. St. Luke's University Hospital–Bethlehem
St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem is the flagship of St. Luke's University Health Network and a major teaching hospital. It offers Level I trauma care, advanced heart and vascular services, and robust residency programs. It is consistently recognized for quality and patient safety.
5. St. Luke's Allentown Campus
St. Luke's Allentown Campus provides convenient community hospital care, including emergency services, surgery, and inpatient care. Its smaller size offers a more personal experience while maintaining access to the full resources of the St. Luke's network.
6. St. Luke's Sacred Heart Campus
Located in the heart of Allentown, St. Luke's Sacred Heart Campus has served the city's neighborhoods for generations. It provides emergency care, inpatient services, and outpatient programs, with a strong focus on serving diverse and bilingual communities.
7. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown is one of the most respected rehabilitation hospitals in the country. It specializes in recovery from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and complex orthopedic conditions. Its advanced therapy technologies and compassionate care help patients regain independence.
8. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg
Located in Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg offers emergency services, cardiac care, behavioral health, and surgical services. It serves many families in eastern Allentown and the surrounding suburbs.
9. St. Luke's Anderson Campus
St. Luke's Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township is known for its modern facilities, comfortable patient rooms, and growing specialty services, including cancer care and orthopedics. Its contemporary design makes it a favorite among patients.
10. KidsPeace Children's Hospital
Located in Orefield, just outside Allentown, KidsPeace provides psychiatric and behavioral health treatment for children and adolescents. Its specialized programs support young people facing mental health challenges and their families.
How to Choose the Right Hospital
For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. For planned procedures, consider the hospital's experience with your specific condition, the specialists available, your insurance network, and convenience for follow-up visits. Asking your primary care physician for a recommendation is often the best first step.
It is also helpful to check whether your preferred doctors are affiliated with Lehigh Valley Health Network or St. Luke's, since coordinated care within one network can simplify records, scheduling, and billing.
Healthcare Trends in Allentown
Both health networks are expanding outpatient centers, urgent care locations, and telehealth services to bring care closer to patients. Investments in robotic surgery, precision cancer treatment, and digital health records continue to grow. Mergers and partnerships, including Lehigh Valley Health Network joining Jefferson Health, are expanding access to research and specialized expertise across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Allentown hospital has a trauma center?
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest operates a Level I trauma center in Allentown, and St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem also provides Level I trauma care for the region.
Where can children receive specialized hospital care?
Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital provides dedicated pediatric services, and St. Luke's also offers pediatric care within its network.
Do these hospitals offer bilingual services?
Yes. Given Allentown's large Spanish-speaking population, hospitals provide interpreter services and many bilingual staff members.
Final Thoughts
Allentown's hospitals provide a level of care that rivals much larger metropolitan areas. With advanced trauma centers, dedicated children's services, nationally known rehabilitation, and strong community hospitals, residents can feel confident that exceptional healthcare is close to home.