New River Valley Cancer Care Center Invests $3.5 Million in Advanced Technology

Pulaski, VA, July 16, 2010 – The New River Valley Cancer Center at Pulaski Community Hospital is now offering patients the most advanced radiation technology available for targeting cancerous tumors, IGRT or image-guided radiation therapy, thanks to the purchase of a new linear accelerator.

The new linear accelerator is part of a larger $3.5 million renovation project which includes upgrading a second linear accelerator with IGRT technology and transforming the entire linear suite into a more comfortable home-like environment.

“We’ve opened the door to a new generation of cancer care. Investing in this technology gives our patients a better chance of a cure with fewer side effects,” said Mark Nichols, CEO of Pulaski Community Hospital.  “Patients don’t need to travel outside the area for high quality cancer care. They can trust us to provide the most advanced life-saving treatments, conveniently in their community.”

The entire renovation project will be completed by the end of August with an open house scheduled for August 29, from 1 to 3 pm.
 
This technology will be available to patients starting the week of July 11, 2010.

In 2009, the New River Valley Cancer Care Center was the busiest HCA cancer center in Virginia, with an average of 10,000 treatments per year.

####
About Pulaski Community Hospital and HCA Southwest Virginia
Pulaski Community Hospital is part of the HCA Virginia network of locally managed hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities, and physician practices in Central, Southwestern, and Northern Virginia.  HCA Virginia has 10,000 full-time employees statewide.  Each year it provides approximately $100 million in free care to the uninsured, pays $100 million in taxes and donate monies to dozens of non-profit organizations and causes.  In Southwest Virginia, HCA Virginia includes Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional Hospital, Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski Community Hospital, several outpatient centers and hundreds of partnering physicians.  All four hospitals consistently rank in the top 10 percent of all U.S. hospitals and in the top 10 in the state for quality care, including health outcomes, patient safety and patient satisfaction. For more information see www.HCAVirginia.com. 

CONTACT: 
Joy Sutton, Marketing Communications Manager
HCA Virginia – Southwest Market
(540) 776-4739

Nancy May, VP Marketing & PR
HCA Virginia – Southwest Market
(540) 776-4754 or (540) 537-3475