The value of having a hospital nearby that can perform outpatient surgery services can’t be overstated. That’s especially true in rural communities where some people have to drive as much as an hour for outpatient services. Fortunately, residents of Stokes County don’t have to travel out of town for outpatient procedures, thanks to LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes.
The hospital’s Surgical Services Department operates out of a facility in King, N.C., and a wide range of specialists provide surgical services there.
Rebuilding services and trust
It opened in 1989 as a satellite office, and over the years, it has been very busy,” said Pamela Tillman, administrator for LifeBrite Community Hospital.
“It’s important for us to offer that service so members of the community can have elective surgical procedures close to home,” she said. Also, patients can be dropped off and picked up at the door, she said.
In 2016, the satellite location drastically reduced its services when the hospital, under different ownership, filed for bankruptcy.
In 2017, LifeBrite Hospital Group, under the leadership of CEO Christian Fletcher, acquired the hospital. LifeBrite took over $1.3 million in Medicare and Medicaid payment obligations and signing new leases for medical equipment, software, and supplies.
The hospital continues to work to regain the confidence of providers and patients, who were understandably concerned after the 2016 problems, said Tillman.
Outpatient surgery services expanding
LifeBrite understands the importance of having surgical services in a community and the inconvenience of not being able to get the services you need locally.
When a person travels out of town for a procedure, loved ones may not be able to accompany them. That can increase stress for the patient and family. In addition, having to travel an hour away for a procedure like a breast biopsy alone can be daunting.
That’s why LifeBrite rebuilt its list of surgical providers and even added a few new ones, Tillman said.
For instance, the Surgical Services Department added ENT procedures to its menu of elective outpatient surgery services. Other services include general surgery, podiatry, ophthamology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology.
The King location includes two fully equipped operating room suites and room for specialty clinics. Recently, the King Chamber of Commerce held its Business Before Hours networking event at the facility, and a surgical nurse gave the attendees a tour.
LifeBrite staff is friendly
A first-time patient at the King facility last month gave the facility the highest rating “very good” across the board.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The staff is excellent,” said Carrie Church. “They were kind, funny, and put me at ease as I was waiting for my surgery. I can’t say enough good things about this staff!”
Brenda Senter, who was a patient in August, said, “This is the friendliest and most efficient staff I have ever seen. I would recommend this facility to anyone.”
To find out more about the services offered through LifeBrite’s Surgical Services Department, call (336) 983-9617 or check out this information
Atlanta-based LifeBrite Hospital Group, led by CEO Christian Fletcher, operates LifeBrite Community Hospital of Early, LifeBrite Laboratories, and LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes. To learn more about LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes, visit our homepage.
