Chippenham & Johnston-Willis Hospitals

04/03/2026

Spring is in full bloom at Johnston-Willis Hospital as our cherry blossoms peaked this week! The cherry blossoms blooming at our facility bring a sense of calm and comfort for visitors and loved ones, while giving colleagues a place to unwind during the day. A quiet moment can make a meaningful difference for caregivers, and having a peaceful space to reflect is one more way we support a positive experience across our care environment.

04/02/2026

It may not be anymore, but as another month starts, this is a great time to add "schedule colonoscopy" back to the top of your to-do list.

The recommended age to begin colon screenings has been lowered from 50 to 45 years old as colorectal cancer in younger populations is on the rise.

Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals colorectal surgeon, Dr. Matthew Huk, joined ABC 8News - WRIC to share why doctors are advocating for routine colon screenings.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a critical reminder that one of the deadliest forms of cancer is also one of the most preventable.

04/01/2026

This is what excellence looks like in action.

At last night’s heart save celebration with Amelia County Fire & EMS, we recognized the teamwork that helped save 19-year-old Landon after he collapsed at work. His co-worker began CPR with support from a 911 dispatcher. Volunteer firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and EMS professionals responded within minutes, using an AED and helping deliver lifesaving care.

Because of that quick action and coordinated response, Landon was transported to Swift Creek Emergency Room, later transferred to Chippenham Hospital’s Medical-Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit, and discharged home soon after. Today, he is continuing his recovery, back at work and preparing to return to school after spring break.

We’re grateful for everyone who played a role in this remarkable outcome.

04/01/2026

This spring, make space for healing and support.

Our Survivorship Series is a free, five-part workshop series designed to share practical information for life after breast cancer treatment.

This series focuses on healing for individuals who were diagnosed with breast cancer prior to age 45. Topics include early menopause, long-term side effects, s*x and intimacy, and self-care after treatment. Join us in person at Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center, located at Johnston-Willis Hospital.

To learn more or register, call 804-483-5078 or email Sandra.Tan@HCAhealthcare.com.

04/01/2026

Every second matters during a .⏱️ With stroke cases rising among younger adults, understanding how to lower your risk has never been more important. Watch as HCA Healthcare neurologist Dr. Edgardo Cruz-Martinez shares practical steps you can take today.

At Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, we’re proud to be part of our broader HCA Healthcare system of care, which collectively responds to strokes 45% faster than the national benchmark – because fast stroke care saves lives. Our network cares for more than 70,000 stroke patients each year, reinforcing why every second counts.

To learn more about our expert, lifesaving stroke care, visit: https://bit.ly/4tiYRo6

03/31/2026

Johnston-Willis Hospital RN, Marian Cole, was recently recognized by Galen College of Nursing for the care and compassion she brings to both her patients and colleagues alike. Marian was awarded the Dr. Marjorie Perrin Human Touch Award during Galen's fall commencement ceremony in recognition for the quality and values she exemplifies.

"Marian truly embodies what it means to be a nurse. Her natural compassion, warmth, and genuine care for others make it clear she was meant for this profession,” Johnston-Willis Associate Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Brygider, BSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC said.

“She is incredibly personable and consistently brings a positive, supportive presence to both her team and her patients. Marian has been a wonderful addition to the Johnston-Willis family, and we are so proud to have her growing and thriving with us.”

We are grateful to partner with Galen College of Nursing, as part of our broader HCA Healthcare network, to continue developing excellency in nursing.

Read more about Marian's story below.
https://bit.ly/4lYQkUW

03/30/2026

In honor of National Physicians Week, Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals join our broader HCA Healthcare network in celebrating the more than 44,000 active and affiliated physicians who show up for our patients and communities with skill, compassion and dedication.

To our physicians, thank you for your commitment to the care and improvement of human life. Your voice helps shape how we deliver care – strengthening clinical excellence, advancing innovation and helping our teams meet the needs of the patients we serve. Your compassion and expertise make a meaningful difference for patients – and that impact is amplified by the dedicated colleagues who support you. We are grateful for everything you do.

Together, we are moving healthcare forward – for a healthier tomorrow.

03/27/2026

Amber the Therapy Dog won first place in the Best Rescue Tales category at the RACC Muttminster/Meowminster dog/cat show!

Amber’s story is one of resilience, love, and purpose. From being underweight and battling heartworm as a young rescue, to becoming a certified therapy dog bringing comfort to patients and healthcare teams—she truly turned a difficult start into something extraordinary.

💙 Therapy dogs like Amber play a powerful role in healing. They reduce stress and anxiety, lift spirits, and provide emotional comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments. For patients, families, and even healthcare staff, a visit from a therapy dog can make all the difference—and Amber does just that every week.

Today, she spends her days brightening lives at Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, winning hearts everywhere she goes (and even handing out her own baseball cards 🐶⚾).

A huge congratulations to Amber (+ her human Ken who also had a little to do with it).

03/27/2026

🎉 Milestone Achievement at Chippenham Hospital 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate a remarkable accomplishment—Chippenham Hospital has successfully completed its 1,600th Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) procedure using the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro device.

This milestone represents more than a number. It reflects years of dedication to advancing cardiac care and improving outcomes for patients living with atrial fibrillation (AFib). For many patients, AFib increases the risk of stroke due to blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage—a small pouch in the heart. The LAAC procedure safely seals off this area, helping reduce stroke risk without the long-term need for blood thinners.

Reaching 1,600 procedures underscores the expertise of our cardiovascular team and our commitment to offering cutting-edge, life-changing treatments right here in our community.

👏 Thank you to our exceptional physicians, nurses, and care teams whose skill, compassion, and collaboration make achievements like this possible every day. And to our patients—thank you for trusting us with your care.

Here’s to continuing to raise the standard of heart care.

03/27/2026

We’re excited to share a meaningful milestone at Chippenham Hospital—our first patient has been enrolled in the THRIVE research study.

Chippenham Hospital is currently the only hospital in Virginia participating in this study, helping bring new possibilities for care to our community.

Research is a vital part of advancing healthcare. It allows patients access to new and emerging treatments, supports physicians in improving care, and helps lead to discoveries that benefit future patients. For many, participating in a research study can offer additional options and hope during their care journey.

This milestone is a reflection of the dedication and teamwork of our physicians, research staff, and care teams who are committed to providing high-quality, forward-thinking care.

We’re proud to be part of this important work and look forward to continuing to expand research opportunities for the patients we serve.

03/27/2026

Managing or doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love. 🍽️ With the right approach, meals that support healthy insulin and blood sugar levels can be delicious, satisfying and simple to make.

Looking for inspiration? Explore easy recipes and learn about eating styles that can help you feel your best: https://bit.ly/4lUHNCB

03/26/2026

Every body is different, but understanding what your baseline for GI health is can help you notice if you are starting to experience GI issues. Dr. Christine Bouchard, colorectal surgeon at Johnston-Willis Hospital, explains when it might be time to consult a doctor regarding GI issues.

Every body is different, but understanding what your baseline for GI health is can help you notice if you are starting to experience GI issues. Dr. Christine...