Jackson General Hospital

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital Surpasses 100 Robotic-Assisted Surgical Cases, Marking Major Milestone in Advanced Surgical Care

RIPLEY, W.Va. — WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital is proud to announce a significant milestone in its surgical program, having successfully completed more than 100 robotic-assisted procedures since the opening of its newly remodeled surgical department.

This achievement reflects the hospital’s continued commitment to bringing advanced, high-quality care close to home for the communities it serves. Since the launch of the upgraded surgical suite, patients have benefited from state-of-the-art robotic technology designed to enhance precision and improve outcomes.

Robotic-assisted surgery offers a number of advantages for patients, including smaller incisions, less pain, reduced risk of complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. These benefits allow patients to return more quickly to their daily lives—all while receiving care right here in Jackson County.

Leading this innovative program are Dr. Michaela Kessler and Dr. Will Lightfoot, who have been instrumental in delivering robotic-assisted procedures in both general surgery and gynecological care. Their expertise, combined with the dedication of the surgical team, has helped establish a strong foundation for the program’s continued growth.

“Reaching more than 100 robotic cases is an exciting milestone for our hospital and our community,” said Heather Wolfe, Director of Nursing. “This program represents our commitment to investing in advanced technology and exceptional providers to ensure our patients have access to the highest level of care without having to travel far from home.”

The newly renovated surgical department, part of the hospital’s recent expansion, was designed with both patients and providers in mind—offering modern, spacious facilities equipped with the latest technology to support a wide range of procedures.

As the program continues to grow, WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital looks forward to expanding its robotic surgical offerings and increasing access to minimally invasive procedures for even more patients across the region.

About WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital:
WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital is an 18-bed critical access hospital located in Ripley, West Virginia, and a proud member of the WVU Medicine health system. The hospital provides a wide range of services, including primary care, general surgery, orthopedics, pain management, gynecology, urology, neurology, pediatrics, podiatry, rehabilitation therapies, infusion therapy, and inpatient care.

Committed to its vision of becoming a nationally recognized leader in rural healthcare, the hospital delivers accessible, sustainable, and innovative services that transform lives, foster wellness, and set the standard for excellence in West Virginia and beyond.

03/30/2026

WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital was proud to attend and sponsor the West Virginia Chocolate Festival this weekend! 🍫

We’re always inspired by the incredible work our city does to bring fun, family-friendly events to our community. It was a joy to be part of such a sweet celebration!

We loved bringing along our special guest—the Easter Bunny—and sharing smiles (and Easter rabbits!) with the children in attendance. 🐰

Events like this are what make our community so special, and we’re always grateful for the opportunity to be involved. 💙

03/26/2026

Candace Miller Represents WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital at West Virginia Chamber Women’s Leadership Summit

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.- Candace Miller, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital, was recently featured as a panelist at the West Virginia Chamber Women’s Leadership Summit, held at the iconic The Greenbrier.

The discussion was part of a two-person panel, with Karen Bowling, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at WVU Medicine, serving as the other panelist.

During the panel discussion, Miller offered a powerful and deeply personal perspective on leadership, drawing from her own journey and experiences. She spoke candidly about her beginnings, emphasizing the values, resilience, and purpose that have shaped her leadership philosophy.

A central theme of Miller’s message was the importance of organizational culture. Quoting the well-known principle that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” she highlighted that while strategic planning is essential, it is culture that ultimately drives success. Miller underscored that cultivating a strong, positive workplace culture requires intentional effort, continuous refinement, and unwavering commitment.

“In healthcare, culture is everything,” Miller shared. “It drives how we care for our patients, how we support one another, and how we show up every single day. When you build a culture rooted in compassion, accountability, and purpose, the work naturally follows.”

Miller also spoke about her personal motivation as a healthcare leader, describing her work as a calling rather than simply a profession. When asked what drives her, she reflected on the responsibility she carries and the trust placed in her by patients, families, and staff.

“I truly believe healthcare is a higher calling,” Miller said. “Every day, I ask the Lord to give me the wisdom and discernment to make the best possible decisions for the people who trust us with their care. That responsibility guides everything I do.”

Under Miller’s leadership, WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital has experienced significant growth and transformation, including the expansion of key service lines, continued investment in advanced technology, and a steadfast commitment to bringing high-quality, accessible care closer to home for the communities it serves. Her vision remains focused on strengthening rural healthcare by ensuring patients can receive comprehensive, compassionate care without leaving their community.

Colleagues and team members consistently recognize Miller for fostering a culture that feels more like family than workplace—one built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Her leadership style emphasizes empowerment, transparency, and a deep respect for every individual’s role in delivering exceptional care.

WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital is incredibly proud to be represented by such an inspiring and dedicated leader. Miller’s presence at the Women’s Leadership Summit highlighted not only her individual impact, but also showcased the strength, innovation, and heart of the organization she leads.

As the hospital continues to grow and evolve, Miller’s unwavering commitment to culture, community, and compassionate care remains at the center of its mission, ensuring that world-class care is delivered with a personal touch, right here at home

03/17/2026

At Jackson General Hospital’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab, every step forward is a victory guided by compassionate care, expert support, and a commitment to helping you live your healthiest life.

Your recovery journey doesn’t end here… it gets stronger. 💪🫀🌬️

03/10/2026

Jackson General Hospital is thrilled to announce that we have received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the HCAHPS patient experience survey. Even more exciting, our hospital achieved five stars in every category measured, an accomplishment that reflects the compassion, professionalism, and dedication of our entire team.

This rating is based on feedback from patients surveyed between April 2025 and March 2026, and it places Jackson General Hospital among the top 6% of hospitals nationwide. We could not be more proud of the care our staff provides each and every day.

Most importantly, we want to thank our patients and community members for trusting us with your care. Your feedback helps guide our commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered healthcare.

We are incredibly grateful to our staff and providers who make this achievement possible, and to our patients whose experiences and voices help us continue to improve. We are honored to serve this community and remain committed to providing the highest level of care to everyone who walks through our doors.

03/05/2026

We’re grateful to our community for the trust you place in us every day. Because so many of you continue to choose Jackson General Hospital for your emergency care, we are growing our team.

We are currently seeking a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to join our Emergency Services team. If you’re passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care close to home, we invite you to consider joining us.

Thank you for trusting us with your care. Your confidence in our team allows us to continue expanding services for the community we are proud to serve.