Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

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Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is a not-for-profit health system in Lancaster, PA.

Lancaster General Health, a member of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine), is a 631-licensed bed not-for-profit health system with a comprehensive network of care encompassing Lancaster General Hospital (LGH), Women & Babies Hospital and the Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital (in partnership with Kindred Healthcare). Our membership in Penn Medicine brings together the stren

gths of a world-renowned, not-for-profit academic medical center and a nationally recognized, not-for-profit community healthcare system. Outpatient services are provided at the Downtown and Suburban Pavilions, along with additional outpatient locations and Express and Urgent Care locations throughout the region. Lancaster General Health Physicians is a network of more than 300 primary-care and specialty physicians, at more than 40 offices throughout the region. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, co-educational, Middle States-accredited four-year college offering a variety of associate and baccalaureate degree and certification programs in healthcare. Thrice designated a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, LGH has been recognized regionally and nationally for clinical excellence and patient safety; and ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals in 2015-16 in three specialties.

05/23/2026

Before we had a country, we had a hospital. Founded by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital opened its doors in 1751 as the first chartered hospital in America, making Philadelphia the birthplace of American medicine.

Still in operation today, this Penn Medicine hospital continues its legacy of caring for patients while advancing the future of medicine. To mark its 275th anniversary, the original Pine Street building reopened as a museum where visitors can explore galleries filled with stories of innovation, compassion, and groundbreaking treatments.

The exhibits show how the work of yesterday continues to shape the care we provide across every Penn Medicine hospital, practice, and community we serve today.

“It is an opportunity to reflect on how our past informs our present and inspires our future,” said Alicia Gresham (first photo, left), CEO of Pennsylvania Hospital.

“To be doing the same exact thing that we were chartered to do all those years ago, that’s pretty special,” added Stacey Peeples (right), lead archivist and curator who led the transformation of the historic building into a museum.

During opening festivities earlier this month, Benjamin Franklin himself stopped by to take a look!

05/22/2026

As the unofficial start of summer kicks off, teams at Penn Medicine Urgent Care wish everyone a safe and healthy season, with a reminder that when the unexpected happens, we're here...at 7 locations!

"From busy weekends to after‑hours visits, we meet patients when and where they need us most. We improve access, reduce delays in treatment, and strengthen the overall health of the communities we serve," said Jaclyn Owens, Urgent Care clinical director.

05/21/2026

This week, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health proudly celebrates our incredible EMS partners—EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and all first responders—who serve on the front lines of care throughout Lancaster County and beyond. We have the honor of thanking them for their courage, skill, and compassion, providing snacks for teams stopping by the hospital and visiting stations out in the community with small tokens of appreciation.

Our Trauma, Stroke, and Heart and Vascular teams also joined Lancaster EMS for a community education event in Lancaster city, sharing hands-on CPR and hemorrhage control training and raising awareness about stroke symptoms and cardiovascular health. These efforts empower residents to act confidently in an emergency, building a safer, stronger community for all.

We’re proud to stand alongside these dedicated professionals, united in the mission to save lives and improve health of the people we serve.

05/20/2026

At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, serving the community means meeting people where they are. Our Advance Care Planning team, along with colleagues from Chaplaincy and Palliative Care, recently partnered with the Lancaster County Food Hub to provide private consultations on healthcare wishes and goals.

In one day, they served about 60 community members and completed more than 30 advance care planning documents, while also sharing warm meals and offering spiritual support. Many participants, including unhoused community members, described it as “a good day” with caring, non-judgmental guidance.

One participant said, “I already have so much happening in my life, so for me to be able to get this done, with the help of people that actually want to listen to me, and help me, means so much.”

05/19/2026

Patient safety is a top priority at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and recently two Infection Control team members brought that message directly to the heart of the hospital.

Jessica Lynch and O’Bryan Nelson set up in the Lancaster General Hospital café with one goal in mind: to help people understand just how powerful proper hand hygiene can be. With interactive demonstrations and hands on education, they invited staff, visitors, and community members to stop, learn, and see for themselves how something as simple as clean hands protects patients every single day.

Their presence marked World Health Organization Hand Hygiene Day, but their impact goes far beyond a single event. Jessica and O’Bryan wanted to strengthen awareness, spark conversations, and reinforce the idea that excellent patient care begins with the basics.

Through their enthusiasm and willingness to teach, they reminded everyone who passed by, including Jody Habecker from Pulmonary Services (pictured with Jessica and O'Bryan) that patient safety is a shared responsibility. And sometimes the most meaningful improvements start with the smallest actions.

05/18/2026

Aldo Coa Saldivia, a patient care assistant at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, has a way of turning ordinary moments into something meaningful. His coworkers often describe him as someone who sees the person behind the diagnosis, and two recent interactions with long‑term patients show exactly why.

One patient had been struggling with the long days of hospitalization when Aldo learned about his love of sports. Wanting to bring a sense of normalcy and joy back into the room, Aldo got creative. He fashioned a makeshift basketball game using a tennis ball and a clean emesis bag taped to the wall. It was simple, but the impact was anything but. The patient lit up, laughing and engaging in a way he hadn’t in days. It was a moment of play in the middle of a difficult journey, and it mattered.

With another patient who was anxious and homesick, Aldo again found a way to connect on a deeper level. He played cultural music that resonated with the patient and even shared a traditional dance with him. The room shifted. The patient relaxed, smiled, and for a moment felt grounded in something familiar and comforting. It was a reminder of home, of identity, of belonging.

In both situations, Aldo offered far more than assistance. He offered humanity. His kindness, creativity, and intuitive understanding of what his patients needed in those moments brought warmth into their rooms and reminded everyone around him of the profound impact small gestures can have.

“Aldo takes the time to truly know his patients, their interests, their fears, the small pieces of their identity that bring comfort and joy during hospitalization," said the coworker who nominated him for a Daffodil Award for his compassionate care.

Aldo is a true asset to the team, and his presence leaves every patient feeling seen, valued, and supported.

05/15/2026

This week, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health was excited to welcome high school students from across Lancaster County to "A Day in the Life," a hands-on career exploration program that offered a real glimpse into the world of healthcare.

From the moment students arrived, their curiosity filled the room. They tried new skills, asked thoughtful questions, and learned about roles they may one day call their own. For our staff, the two-day experience was a chance to share their passion and encourage students as they begin imagining their own paths forward.

05/14/2026

Fifty years ago, when Cindy Commero-Cook first stepped into Lancaster General Hospital as a young nurse’s aide, America was gearing up for its Bicentennial celebrations, Fleetwood Mac and Queen were shaping the soundtrack of the era, Polaroid cameras were capturing instant memories, and bell bottoms were the height of fashion.

In the midst of it all, Cindy began a career that would grow into five decades of service and impact. She wore many hats with dedication and heart, including scheduler, registration representative, and insurance verifier. She eventually found her home in Guest Services, where her warmth, reliability, and genuine care have made her a beloved presence for patients, families, and colleagues alike. When reflecting on her journey, Cindy shared that her favorite part has been the close connections and long lasting friendships she’s built along the way.

At this year’s Service Awards Banquet, we were honored to celebrate Cindy and other employees marking service milestones of 25 years or more. Congratulations to all! Your dedication strengthens our mission, shapes our culture, and makes Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health the extraordinary place it is. Thank you for everything you bring to our patients and community.

Cindy (back row center) is pictured with Guest Services colleagues Heidi Cunningham, Janice Jackson, and Tina Stauffer (front, l-r) and Penn Medicine LG Health CEO Michael Barber and Associate CNO Alyssa Livengood Waite.

05/13/2026

When Joshua “JJ” Havard, director of Pulmonary Services at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, shared information with fans at Penn Medicine Park, he brought more than clinical expertise. He brought life experience.

Born prematurely, JJ experienced breathing issues from his first day of life and has faced the ongoing challenges of asthma throughout childhood and beyond. He grew up surrounded by compassionate pulmonary professionals who not only helped him overcome his physical challenges; they shaped his purpose.

Today, JJ carries that purpose into every interaction. He represents respiratory and sleep medicine with pride, empathy, and a deep understanding of what patients are feeling long before they say a word. His journey fuels his commitment to help others breathe easier, live fully, and feel seen.

Pictured here with his daughter, Charlotte, JJ stands as a reminder that personal stories can become powerful service. Thank you, JJ, for turning your experience into impact.

05/12/2026

Summer can be a challenging time for the Lancaster General Health Blood Donor Center and donation sites throughout the country. "Over the summer months blood donations on average decrease due to vacations and travel, while accidents and trauma cases tend to spike," said Kellen Skorupski, blood donor recruiter. "We're so grateful that our loyal donors always come through in the clutch!"

This May and June we’re saying thank you to everyone who donates with two Lancaster Stormers tickets, a $5 S. Clyde Weaver - Smoked Meats and Cheese voucher, a bag of Emma's Gourmet Popcorn, and a blood donor hat or tote. Every donation helps us keep Lancaster General Health patients in the game.

05/11/2026

Kathryn Harnly’s impact began the moment her patient arrived in the preoperative unit at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. What started as a morning filled with anxiety, quickly shifted into something calmer and safer because of the way Kathryn shows up for the people she cares for.

“I was scared and nervous," recalled her patient. "The minute I met Kathryn, I felt at ease. She took the time to calm me down, explained everything thoroughly, and made sure I was comfortable. I felt like my mom was there.”

Even as her shift neared its end, Kathryn stayed focused on completing every detail before handing off care. Her patient noticed that dedication immediately. While their interaction was brief, the gratitude is lasting. “I will forever be thankful that Kathryn was my pre-op nurse!"

Kathryn was recently recognized with a DAISY Award for her skilled and compassionate nursing care. Congratulations!

Address

555 N Duke Street
Lancaster, PA
17602

Website

https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home

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