Centra, Central Virginia's Medical Leader

Kay Hughes crossed the finish line at Randolph College with both arms extended over her head in a “V-formation.”  “V” for victory!  She had achieved her goal of walking the hilly 4-mile walk that coincided with the Virginia 10-miler.  The rest of her “Heavy Breather” team was there to congratulate her, along with her husband and two standard size poodles, Eli and Cedar. To most people this may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but to Kay, who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it was more than an accomplishment.  Successfully completing this event represented a victory over a disease that is notorious for robbing its victims of their quality of life and breath. In 1996, Kay was diagnosed with COPD.  “I know this sounds crazy, but I was glad to hear I had COPD!  For two years I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know what it was.  To finally have a diagnosis and a treatment plan was a relief.” COPD is a lung disease that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treated.  It is estimated that 24 million Americans have some form of COPD, but half of these individuals remain undiagnosed.  The…

Centra has once again received national recognition for its quality in health care. Centra’s hip and knee replacement, stroke and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) treatment programs all received outstanding marks from The Joint Commission during recent on-site visits. Centra’s hip and knee replacement programs have been recommended for certification without deficiencies by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Centra’s total joint program was praised for its highly qualified surgeons, nursing excellence, patient-centered care, teamwork, well-kept and well-designed physical environment, patient education classes and dedicated resources. The Joint Commission also recommended two of the orthopaedic programs’ components for recognition as best practices. They are Centra’s bed management system and its use on the orthopaedic floor as well as the consistent utilization for the care boards in each patient room. After an extensive evaluation of Centra’s processes and ability to evaluate and improve care, The Joint Commission also recently recommended Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for recertification. The Joint Commission specifically praised Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for its process for the administration of tPA (clot busting drug), dedication to performance improvement and educated staff members. The Joint Commission also encouraged Centra to continue its…

Centra’s Primary Stroke Center has once again received national recognition for its care of stroke patients. The Joint Commission has recertified Centra’s Primary Stroke Center. Centra Lynchburg General Hospital also has received the 2011 Get With The Guidelines–Stroke® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. Both awards recognize Centra’s commitment and quality of care provided to stroke patients. Joint Commission Certification Centra Lynchburg General Hospital holds The Joint Commission national Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification recognizes the center for making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Certification means Centra complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care and signifies that the services at Centra have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. After an extensive on-site evaluation of Centra’s processes and ability to evaluate and improve care, The Joint Commission has no suggestions for improvement. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. The Joint Commission specifically praised Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for its process for the administration of tPA (clot busting drug), dedication to performance improvement and educated staff…

The Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center will hold a Lung Cancer Awareness Night: A Candlelight Celebration: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 6:30-8 p.m. for Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  The event will recognize those who have died, honor survivors, and celebrate the strength, hope and courage of those impacted by lung cancer.  The awareness night will take place at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center at 1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg in the healing garden. The night will include refreshments, music, a candlelight ceremony and inspirational stories from lung cancer patients. To RSVP, please call 434.200.6093 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Special tribute tables will be provided for the display of pictures, special memories, or other items to celebrate someone affected by lung cancer. To reserve a tribute table, please call 434.200.6093 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .