Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

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.

It's easy to understand why patients remember Jason Fretti, a patient care assistant on the oncology unit at Penn Medici...
01/30/2026

It's easy to understand why patients remember Jason Fretti, a patient care assistant on the oncology unit at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Jason brings both skill and genuine presence to the bedside.

From the very first conversation, Jason listens. Really listens. He has a way of making patients feel seen and heard, taking time to explain things clearly and calmly, never rushing. He shows empathy and knowledge in every interaction, turning what could be an overwhelming hospital experience into something reassuring and human.

Jason has a notable ability to connect across generations. As one patient put it, “Despite the 60-year age difference, we found common ground.” That reflection says everything about Jason’s gift for building real, meaningful relationships, no matter the gap in age, background, or experience. That connection leaves a lasting impression.

In the patient’s own words: “If I could recognize one person for outstanding care and professionalism, it would be Jason!”

Jason’s ability to communicate clearly, and find common ground, are why he has been consistently celebrated with Daffodil awards for compassionate care.

With temperatures expected to drop below zero this week, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital Associate Chief Medica...
01/29/2026

With temperatures expected to drop below zero this week, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital Associate Chief Medical Officer Vito J. DiCamillo, MD, is urging residents to take extra precautions outdoors.

“With temperatures near zero for days on end, limit your time outside as much as you can,” DiCamillo said. He warned that frostbite can develop within minutes—often on the nose, ears, and toes—and advised full covering, including hats, gloves, and even goggles to prevent eye irritation from cold, dry air. He also noted a rise in weather‑related injuries such as falls on ice, which commonly lead to wrist fractures or head injuries, and encouraged families to check on older neighbors who may be at higher risk.
http://spr.ly/6188h8yhq

As National Blood Donor Month comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our dedicated donors w...
01/28/2026

As National Blood Donor Month comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our dedicated donors who support neighbors in need all year long.

A special shout-out to Brent Eidemiller, James Artuso, and Caleb Heckman, who came out last week to help ensure we had an adequate supply of blood and platelets ahead of the weekend storm.

The winter months are always a challenging time for our Blood Donor Center, and our team truly appreciates everyone who is able to give. Your generosity makes a lifesaving difference.

At LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Willow Street, Michael Walker, MD, and Jennifer Irons, CRNP, appreciate the part...
01/27/2026

At LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Willow Street, Michael Walker, MD, and Jennifer Irons, CRNP, appreciate the partnership they have built; one grounded in trust, respect, and shared purpose. This physician and advanced practice provider collaboration allows them to address urgent issues in real time while continuously improving how they care for patients.

“We are always available to one another for questions, concerns, or advice, even in the midst of the busiest office days,” said Walker.

They also stay current together, sharing insights from podcasts, research, and new diagnostic tools to strengthen preventive care and long-term outcomes.

Irons credits Walker’s leadership as a key part of their success.

“Dr. Walker always has a calm demeanor and is consistently dedicated to both patients and staff,” she shared. “His communication, organization, and follow-through create an environment where the whole team can succeed.”

After eight years of working side by side, their approach reflects the heart of team-based care, where collaboration behind the scenes leads to better experiences and outcomes for every patient who walks through their doors.

Dedicated teams at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital are preparing for this weekend's storm. Stay safe everyone!
01/23/2026

Dedicated teams at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital are preparing for this weekend's storm. Stay safe everyone!

When soon-to-be parents step into the unknown world of labor and delivery, it's hard to anticipate what the experience w...
01/23/2026

When soon-to-be parents step into the unknown world of labor and delivery, it's hard to anticipate what the experience will be like. For one couple, the journey into parenthood was made immeasurably better by Women & Babies Hospital nurse Abigail Barnes.

The couple was nervous and unsure of what to expect. But from the moment Abby stepped into the room, their worries began to ease. Not only was she professional, but her calm and compassionate demeanor made all the difference during what could have been a stressful night. She took the time to keep them informed, answering their questions, and helping them stay relaxed through every moment of the process.

The father reflected on the experience later, saying, "I’ve spent many hours in hospitals with family members, and if more nurses had the attitude and demeanor of Abby, the entire healthcare system and its patients would be endlessly better!"

What truly stood out was Abby’s dedication to her patients. Despite her shift coming to an end, she stayed with the couple well after to ensure their daughter was delivered safely and comfortably. It was a gesture that left a lasting impression. "Very few people care like that in today’s world," he said, "and I will never forget it."

Congratulations, Abby, on being recognized with a DAISY Foundation Award for your extraordinary care. The impact you have on your patients is immeasurable, and you are a shining example of excellence in healthcare.

When a loved one is critically ill, the care of a dedicated nurse can make all the difference. For one family, Penn Medi...
01/21/2026

When a loved one is critically ill, the care of a dedicated nurse can make all the difference. For one family, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital nurse Mary Purcell was nothing short of a hero.

"I truly cannot express how much Mary did for him," a family member shared, describing the transformation they witnessed. When they left one morning, their loved one was sedated and intubated. Thanks to Mary's unwavering care, by the time they returned, he was breathing on his own and alert.

From the start, Mary went above and beyond.

"She came in with a speaker to keep him calm, and then was able to advocate to get him extubated," the family member recalled.

Even after the procedure, Mary stayed by his side, doing everything she could to improve his condition, offering encouragement and helping him into a chair to better position his lungs.

"I was in shock when I walked in and saw him doing so well," his loved one said. "Seeing him smile and speak meant so much to his entire family. Mary was the best pillar of support through his recovery."

Mary's compassion and skill helped turn a terrifying situation into one of hope, earning her a much-deserved DAISY Foundation Award for extraordinary nursing care. Congratulations, Mary!

The team at the Cancer Institute Boutique at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute knows how small gestures can bring b...
01/19/2026

The team at the Cancer Institute Boutique at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute knows how small gestures can bring big comfort to patients during a cancer journey, and is deeply grateful to Fenner Precision Polymers for their thoughtful and generous donation of headscarves. The beautiful scarves, made possible through Fenner’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, offer warmth, dignity, and a sense of confidence when it’s needed most.

Fenner’s commitment goes beyond fundraising. The company also empowers its own employees by sharing educational resources and information that encourage everyone to take an active role in their health.

From certified mastectomy fittings to holistic therapy, our Boutique staff offers products and services to help people feel and look their best during and after cancer treatment. Partnerships like this help wrap our patients in care, compassion, and community. Thank you, Fenner!

Pictured, from left, Diane Bortner, certified mastectomy fitter; Lindy Loercher, clinical cosmetologist,;Brittany Begelfer, Boutique coordinator; Guinevere Crescenzi, acupuncturist; and Maria Hendricksma, Fenner Precision Polymers.

01/18/2026

Just before his 30th birthday, Jake Greenberg was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor. Instead of cancelling the Eagles tailgate party he had planned with family and friends, he and his wife, Ingrid, decided to move forward with the celebration.

Now 3 years cancer-free, Jake turned the tailgate into an annual fundraiser for Penn Medicine - Abramson Cancer Center as a thank you for the lifesaving care he received.

We’re proud to share that Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital has achieved a remarkable milestone: our sixth consec...
01/15/2026

We’re proud to share that Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital has achieved a remarkable milestone: our sixth consecutive Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This honor represents the gold standard for nursing excellence and places Lancaster General Hospital among an elite group. Only about 1 percent of hospitals nationwide have earned Magnet status six times, and just three in Pennsylvania share this distinction.

Magnet recognition reflects our culture of excellence and signifies strong nurse and leadership engagement and collaboration across all disciplines to deliver exceptional care.

“This achievement speaks to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our nursing workforce and the entire interdisciplinary team,” said Tim Zellers, chief nursing officer. “Earning Magnet designation once is significant; earning it six times demonstrates sustained excellence over decades.”

Alyssa Livengood Waite, associate chief nursing officer, added: “Magnet is not just a recognition; it’s a reflection of who we are. It shows our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and putting patients first every single day.”

Congratulations to the entire Lancaster General Hospital team! A special shout-out to the nurses (some pictured) involved in writing the application document and overseeing the Magnet appraisers’ site visit.

At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, Environmental Services technician Alejandrina “Alice” Vazquez shines in way...
01/13/2026

At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, Environmental Services technician Alejandrina “Alice” Vazquez shines in ways that go far beyond her daily responsibilities.

Every day, Alice is the person who steps in without hesitation, simply because someone needs help. Whether supporting a colleague, offering a reassuring presence, or using her bilingual skills to connect with a Spanish-speaking patient and help them feel more at ease, Alice leads with compassion.

A co-worker expressed her appreciation by nominating Alice for a Daffodil Award:

“Alice is always happy to help us and our patients. She consistently goes above and beyond her job description to provide excellent patient care and help us do the same.”

Thank you, Alice, for showing what it truly means to care.

Penn's Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, tells CBS Sunday Morning why eating ice cream could help people live healthier and long...
01/11/2026

Penn's Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, tells CBS Sunday Morning why eating ice cream could help people live healthier and longer lives. http://spr.ly/6184ClVdG

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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.