A YEAR OF VISION. A YEAR OF GROWTH

from Better Health magazine, Spring, 2005

Danville Regional topped the extensive accomplishments of the previous year with another year of far-reaching progress in 2004.We're building on the vision our board and management team has developed, with results that speak well about the future of healthcare in our region.

Heart Center of the Piedmont satellite offices open. Now that the Heart Center of the Piedmont is serving the region so successfully, we've made it easier for people in nearby communities to benefit from its services.
In 2004 we opened satellite offices in South Boston, Gretna, and Yanceyville. Cardiologists on staff at Danville Regional see patients at these locations on a regular basis for office visits and diagnostic testing. More extensive testing or required procedures are done at DRMC.
Local residents are pleased that quality cardiac care is available in their hometown. And we're pleased to be fulfilling our mission of Providing Healthcare Excellence Close to Home.

State approves plan for second linear accelerator. Last year we received word that our Certificate of Public Need for a second linear accelerator had been approved. We have now begun space and architectural planning for the facility addition and have selected the equipment to be installed.
This second linear accelerator will offer new technologies including multileaf collimation and IMRT, and increased beam intensities which will be particularly helpful in treating certain cancers. Because we will soon have two linear accelerators, more patients can be served with less waiting. The Center for Radiation Oncology will be expanded to house the unit, and additional space will be created for chemotherapy treatment. The new addition and equipment will be ready for service in late 2006.

Radiologic Technology Program graduates first class. There were 17 proud faces holding certificates last December when the Radiologic Technology Program held its graduation ceremony. This was the school's first graduating class, and many of the radiologic technologists are now working for us at Danville Regional.
DRHS created the school to combat the shortage of qualified "rad techs'' in the local area. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the country will need 75,000 additional positions in the next seven years. The school has quickly gained respect, with many more applicants than available spaces. The program has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

School of Nursing graduates another stellar class. The 2004 graduating class from the Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions Nursing Program has already started to make its presence felt in the hospital. Of the 45 who graduated in the May 2004 class, 35 decided to serve patients at Danville Regional.
We are honored that these skilled professionals have chosen to begin their careers with us. The School of Nursing is a two-year diploma program preparing students to sit for the RN exam. Many graduates choose to go on and get their bachelor's degrees in nursing.

Technology upgrades mark year for Imaging Center. Last year our new $1.5 million MRI scanner was installed, replacing a unit that was built into the wall. The previous MRI was claustrophobic for some, and was unsuitable for patients who were obese.
The new MRI is automated so exams can be completed more quickly. The improved images will help physicians observe damage to joints, the spine, and the vascular system with greater accuracy than the previous unit allowed.
A new multi-slice CT scanner was also recently purchased by Danville Diagnostic Imaging Center. This equipment is particularly useful for providing quick and accurate vascular scans, especially for patients in the open heart surgery program at the Heart Center of the Piedmont.

Community benefits from education program. Hundreds of Dan River Region residents are living healthier lives now, thanks to our popular Lunch and Learn series. Topics covered are timely ("West Nile virus", e.g.) and timeless ("Drafting Your Will''). Our Advantage Plus group for seniors also had an active year filled with trips, classes, and social events.
One of the year's highlights came in October when a special cancer awareness program was held. A special speaker, Mary Jo Blackwood, entertained and informed, and a Holistic Health Fair was a special highlight of the event.