TABLE OF
CONTENTS

BLUE RIDGE HEALTHCARE SERVICES

IMPORTANT
INFORMATION

Located about two miles north of I-40, exit #113, the Blue Ridge Healthcare System (formerly Valdese General Hospital) meets the health and medical needs of its citizens and those of neighboring cities through several leading edge facilities.

Opened in April 1939, today the 172-bed general care facility offers a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Its health care services include: an easily accessibly emergency department, where a physician and staff specializing in emergency treatment are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a complete Cancer Care Center, a radiology department, one-room maternity care (where the mother labors, delivers, and recovers,) comprehensive cardiac care including a staff cardiologist, heart catheterization and a rehabilitation program, outpatient surgery suits, and home health services. Valdese also offers "College Oaks", a shared-living facility.

To contact the Valdese Hospital, call (828) 874-2251. To reach the Emergency Room via TDD device, dial (828) 879-7509.

Click here to visit the hospital's official website.

Valdese Hospital's Cancer Care Center

This center offers comprehensive services for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The facilities trained cancer specialist and comprehensive services have earned accreditation by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. Today the hospital's cancer program has the longest approval rate of any cancer program at any private hospital in North Carolina. Also, the center's radiation treatment facility meets the standards of the Inter-Society Council for Radiation Oncology.

The Family Birthing Center

This was one of the first centers in the state to offer one-room maternity care. All obstetrical rooms are designed so that the total birthing process and full hospital stay takes place in the same room. The rooms are decorated to look like bedrooms at home. Babies can room-in with Mom, at her request. Also, siblings and grandparents get special visiting privileges. The hospital's special delivery package includes early pregnancy classes, prenatal classes, postpartum follow-up, and a free state-approved car seat.

Valdese Hospital's Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation Program

This program provides a supervised exercise program for heart patients. It is designed to help people with heart disease modify their risk factors through diet, stress management, and vocational rehabilitation. The sociological and psychological needs of the patients are also addressed by the program. All exercise sessions are attended by a physician, a registered nurse, and an exercise physiologist. Other staff includes a medical director, a dietician, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, psychologist, and vocational rehabilitation counselor. Valdese Hospital's cardiac care also includes a full-time staff cardiologist and cardiac catheterization.

Cardiac Catheterization Lab

This lab is an important diagnostic tool in determining if patients have heart disease. Doctors use this procedure along with stress tests, EKGs, echocardiograms, and physical examinations, to gather information about the patient's heart, valves, and surrounding tissues.

Valdese Home Care

This is a comprehensive hospital-based health-care service designed to serve homebound patients who require intermittent care. Licensed professionals provide skilled nursing, intravenous and drug therapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapies; chemotherapy; social services; and personal care. The program also has home health aides available. Home health aides help care for the personal needs of the patient.

College Oaks Shared Housing

Older adults looking for a shared living experience find it at College Oaks. The shared housing facility, located on the hospital campus, lets senior adults enjoy the social benefits of a family atmosphere. Residents share kitchen, dining, living, and laundry areas, but still enjoy private bedrooms and suites. The project, started in 1989, resulted from a partnership between Valdese Hospital and the Town of Valdese. It was the first project of its kind in western North Carolina. Today the facility stays filled and maintains a waiting list. (828) 879-2265.

HOSPITAL STATISTICS

• 172 beds,
• About 350 full-time employees overall.
• Site covers 40 acres,
• Approved for Medicare and Medicaid Programs,
• Licensed by the State of North Carolina,
• Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.