Valley Health and Blue Ridge Hospice Expand Hospice in the Hospital Program to Page Memorial Hospital

Valley Health and Blue Ridge Hospice are extending their joint initiative, the Hospice in the Hospital program, to Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, VA. This expansion follows a recent agreement, signed on July 15, that enables Blue Ridge Hospice to provide additional comfort care services alongside the hospital’s existing care team. The program aims to ensure that eligible patients and their families receive comprehensive care during their hospital stay and beyond.

The Hospice in the Hospital program first launched at Winchester Medical Center in 2020 and was introduced at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock earlier this year, in April 2024. This program highlights Blue Ridge Hospice’s dedication to improving access to high-quality serious illness and end-of-life care services, aligning with Valley Health’s mission to deliver exceptional patient care across all its facilities. “Valley Health is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and exceptional care to all our communities. Expanding Hospice in the Hospital to Page Memorial Hospital allows more patients to be closer to home and family during challenging times,” said Travis Clark, President of Page Memorial Hospital.

The program is designed for hospitalized patients who meet the General Inpatient (GIP) criteria, which includes those experiencing uncontrollable pain and symptoms that necessitate intensive management. These hospice-eligible patients can now receive hospice care services at Page Memorial Hospital. “In addition to Valley Health’s excellent care, our team will provide expert pain and symptom management, coordinating a seamless transition from inpatient to hospice care at home when appropriate,” stated Altonia Garrett, Chief Operations Officer at Blue Ridge Hospice. The Blue Ridge Hospice team, consisting of social workers, music therapists, chaplains, and volunteers, will also address patients’ emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.

Blue Ridge Hospice operates an 8-bed Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, VA, offering continuous care for patients requiring extended support. Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Hospice, emphasized the importance of the partnership in creating a smooth continuum of care. “We are expanding our longstanding collaboration with Valley Health. This partnership is rooted in our purpose to widen the circle of access to high-quality, compassionate care across all communities, particularly in rural areas. Too often, families express regret about not contacting hospice sooner. Programs like Hospice in the Hospital enable us to identify patients needing our services promptly, ensuring they receive the care they require.”

Travis Clark reinforced Valley Health’s commitment to patient-centered care: “Decisions about hospice care can be challenging. We encourage families to have these conversations early so that patient wishes are respected.” Valley Health is proud to collaborate with Blue Ridge Hospice to provide patients with optimal care and support options.

The expansion of Hospice in the Hospital to Page Memorial Hospital underscores Valley Health and Blue Ridge Hospice’s shared dedication to improving end-of-life care accessibility and quality across the region.

About Valley Health
Valley Health is a not-for-profit health system serving over 500,000 people in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, and western Maryland. As a healthcare provider, employer, and community partner, Valley Health is committed to enhancing the health of the region. The system includes six hospitals, over 70 medical practices and urgent care centers, outpatient rehabilitation, medical transport, long-term care, and home health. For more information, visit Valley Health.

About Blue Ridge Hospice
Blue Ridge Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit serious illness and end-of-life care provider that has been serving the northern Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia since 1981. With a mission of “brightening life’s journey with quality and compassionate care for all whom we are privileged to serve,” Blue Ridge Hospice serves Winchester City and the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Blue Ridge Hospice consistently exceeds the national averages for quality as reported on Medicare’s Hospice Compare website. For more information, visit Blue Ridge Hospice or call 540-313-9200.