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 strengths 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.

03/16/2026

Every day the dedicated dietitians on our Healthy Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery team, (l-r) Ellen Rayha, Lynn Collins, Nicole Starr, and Rachael Tobelmann, help patients navigate their journeys toward long-term health and weight wellness. They cut through the “fad diet” noise to provide science-backed nutrition plans tailored to each person’s unique metabolism.

“It’s about so much more than calories,” said Rachael. "It's about sustainable habits, metabolic health, and reclaiming your quality of life. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to help make that transformation possible.”

We’re so grateful to these professionals for their patience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients’ health and well-being.

03/14/2026

“Don't be scared of a colonoscopy. I did it and it saved my life.” That’s the message Joe O'Pella wants to share.

Joe was the picture of health — young, active, a devoted dad with no reason to think cancer would be part of his story. Until it was. He was diagnosed with stage 3 re**al cancer in his late 30s.

Colore**al cancer is impacting a growing number of young people. Joe's story is all about listening to your body and not letting fear delay a test that could save your life. When discovered through screening, colon cancer is very treatable. Something Joe knows firsthand.

03/13/2026

At this week’s Patient Safety Fair, teams across Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health proved that safety never goes out of style. Embracing a “Stay Rad. Stay Safe.” ’80s theme, colleagues brought big creativity, bright colors, and even bigger ideas to highlight the work they’re doing to keep our patients safe.

From process improvements to new best practices, each display showcased innovative approaches to strengthening safety and improving outcomes. A huge thank-you to everyone who participated and proved that creating a culture of safety really is rad!

03/11/2026

When employees arrive for work at Lancaster General Hospital, they are often greeted with a warm, enthusiastic “good morning” from employee resource center coordinator Kim Hatch.

For Kim, supporting employees has always been her passion. From her days in employee communications more than 25 years ago to her current role, helping colleagues has remained at the heart of everything she does.

Along with her many responsibilities, Kim also helps manage the hospital’s employee food pantry and scrubs closet. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure both are well stocked and ready for anyone who might need them.

“Employees can face challenges similar to the patients we serve,” Kim said. “It’s important that we do everything we can to help each other.”

She credits the generosity of her coworkers for making these programs possible. “Our employees generously support both initiatives,” she said, noting that their kindness and willingness to give back make a real difference.

It’s people like Kim, and the many employees who support one another every day, who help make Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health such a special place to work and care for our community.

03/09/2026

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health was proud to be a sponsor and participate in the recent YWCA Lancaster Empowering Growth Conference at the Lancaster County Convention Center. Surrounded by inspiring partners, we came together to listen, learn, and strengthen efforts to reach and support people in our community who may be at risk or facing vulnerabilities.

03/07/2026

Lancaster physician Dr. Laurence Carroll was well known and respected for his commitment to medical ethics and continuing medical education. His family proudly honors his memory and legacy through the annual Laurence E. Carroll, MD, Lecture series.

This year’s talk by oncologist and bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, vice provost for global initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will focus on the ethical, policy, and equity challenges posed by today’s high-cost specialty medications.

Dr. Emmanuel will speak on April 6 at 6:30 pm (reception at 5:30) at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance.

Registration for guests seeking CME credits: http://spr.ly/6185hAeqL
Registration without credits: http://spr.ly/6187hAeqF

03/06/2026

For the Endoscopy team at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, most days are Dress in Blue (scrubs) days. But today carries special meaning as they join others across the country to raise awareness about colore**al cancer and the lifesaving power of screening.

These dedicated team members, who provide colonoscopy services, encourage everyone 45 years or older to get a screening colonoscopy.

03/04/2026

At just 28 years of age, Angelique Nelson’s life changed in an instant. While showering one day, she found a lump in her breast and soon heard the words no one is ever ready to hear: "You have cancer." She gave herself “48 hours to cry, pray, and prepare for what was ahead.” Then she made a promise: “I would fight with everything I had.”

Not knowing what to expect, she was nervous before beginning radiation therapy at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (ABBCI). But as soon as she started interacting with staff, those feelings of anxiety turned around.

"The entire staff at ABBCI was truly amazing," she said. "Each visit, they made sure I had my gospel music playing, and the techs allowed me to pray before starting treatment. Everyone from the front desk to the clinical staff will forever hold a special spot in my heart. The whole team was always thorough, patient, and kind."

Cancer changed Angelique's outlook on life. "Now I see each day as a gift," she said. "I learned that I am more than my hair, more than an employee, more than a sister or friend. I was able to see how precious life really is, and to understand that even a smile can change someone’s day."

03/02/2026

As her husband waited to be discharged from Lancaster General Hospital after surgery, his wife watched his anxiety steadily rise. Living with dementia, he is accustomed to walking “constantly, both night and day” through the hallways of his memory care facility. That movement helps keep him calm and "satisfies his sociable personality,” she explained.

Without that outlet, “he had lost all control.” He became agitated and determined to get out of bed, struggling against an environment that felt unfamiliar and confining.

That’s when patient care assistant Erica Cabrera quietly stepped in.

Erica pulled up a chair and sat beside his bed for hours, gently talking with him, holding his hand, and helping him feel safe. When he tried to get up, she guided him back with “kind patience,” never rushing, never raising her voice; just kept holding his hand.”

What struck his wife most was Erica’s respect. In moments when frustration could have easily taken over, Erica remained calm, steady, and compassionate.

Over the past three years, his wife has seen many caregivers work with dementia patients in moments of agitation and distress. But this experience stood out. “Erica looked like one of the best with a heart and touch for those who are hurting," she said.

In moments of fear and confusion, Erica’s presence made all the difference, offering dignity, patience, and humanity when it was needed most. Congratulations, Erica, on your much-deserved Daffodil Award for compassionate care.

02/27/2026

Each Friday, Justin Geissinger, DPT, rehab supervisor at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Downtown Pavilion, sends an email to colleagues that blends clinical updates with messages meant to encourage reflection and positivity.

“Every day, we’re faced with complicated cases that require a positive, educated, and optimistic vision to help people become better versions of themselves,” he shared. “Sometimes that can be difficult.”

Justin hopes his messages help shift mindsets.

“I like staying informed, and I figured I might as well share what I’m learning, adding a little commentary to make it more interesting and entertaining,” he said.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Some colleagues email him to say how much they enjoy the weekly insights. Others call it the best email they receive all week.

“My favorite is when someone stops me in the hallway to say how much they appreciate the newsletter,” Justin said. “Ultimately, I want to build a community that keeps conversations about health going, maybe even inspiring someone to take the stairs instead of the elevator.”

Justin, who has worked at Lancaster General Health for nearly three years, said what he loves most about his job is caring for patients “from literally all over the world.”

“It’s amazing how diverse Lancaster really is.”

02/26/2026

It’s all about teamwork at The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health. When a patient experiencing a cardiac emergency arrived at the Norlanco location, this team responded quickly, working with emergency medical services and Lancaster General Hospital staff to provide needed care.

Because of their sharp instincts and rapid action, a life was saved. Hats off to this incredible team for turning awareness into action when it mattered most.

02/25/2026

In 2001, Tim Zellers, then director of care management, was part of a core group immersed in writing the very first application for Lancaster General Hospital to attain Magnet Hospital designation. Alyssa Livengood Waite, a staff nurse at Women & Babies Hospital, was helping her team prepare for the rigorous site visit from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that would follow. Angie Robinson, an educator, was documenting how our educational efforts aligned Magnet standards.

Today the chief nursing officer, associate chief nursing officer, and Magnet program manager, lead a team proudly celebrating their 6th Magnet designation. Tim, Alyssa, and Angie recently sat down to reflect on the inspiring history of our Magnet journey.

“I was lucky enough and honored to be included in the shared governance work and ultimately, pursuit of our first Magnet designation,” said Tim. “I remember the excitement and to some degree, nervousness at the all-council vote to pursue Magnet designation. Only one other hospital in PA had Magnet designation at that time. Today, there are 30. It is surreal to have come full circle and see this new generation of nurses and their level of accountability and ownership of their professional practice. The duration of time of sustained nursing excellence is truly awe-inspiring and the Lancaster community is to benefit.”

“As a clinical nurse and Clinical Practice Council representative, I once anxiously prepared for our first Magnet site visit, unsure if our outcomes were strong enough to show our excellence,” recalled Alyssa. “This past visit was dramatically different. Not only are we assured of our culture of nursing excellence, but we have mentored several other hospitals through their journey. Every member of our team makes this possible.”

“As an educator, I covered critical care areas, promoting Magnet standards of excellence by ensuring our nurses had a comprehensive orientation and ongoing professional development,” said Angie. “Advocating for nurses to learn and utilize best, evidence-based practices and continuously improving patient care has always been the standard at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and continues as a foundation of our Magnet culture.”

Address

555 N Duke Street
Lancaster, PA
17602

Website

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

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