Your support helps patients access the life-saving care and treatment they desperately need. Over the years, the generosity of the community has fueled Centra’s transport teams and provided a state-of-the-art neonatal ambulance, a mobile mammography van, a mobile medical van, flight helmets and more. Hitting the road this fall: a new, upgraded transport vehicle for cancer patients in Farmville.
*Susan uses a wheelchair and needs assistance to get to her appointments for radiation therapy. *Cole does not have reliable transportation to get to his treatments. Both rely on Centra for transport.
Thanks to gifts from the community, Susan, Cole and many other patients in the Farmville area who need radiation therapy at Centra’s regional cancer center in Lynchburg can now catch a more comfortable ride in a new, upgraded transport vehicle.
“Our old van had some limitations,” said Jason Moore, supervisor, Fleet Services. “It had over 200,000 miles. And there was a need for additional wheelchair space. This is a much better patient experience.”
The new vehicle includes additional seating, more space for wheelchairs, a television, Wi-Fi and is a smoother ride, which makes a big difference for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Many patients who need radiation therapy are treated five days a week for five to six weeks.
“For patients living in the Farmville area, the daily drive can present a challenge,” Jason said. “And when patients miss or have to reschedule appointments, this may create a delay in care or risk greater illness. This reduces the transportation barrier and helps patients receive their prescribed course of treatment.”
The cost of the vehicle, over $150,000, was covered by the Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center Fund.
“Patients are so appreciative of and grateful for this service,” Jason said. “We are all so excited about the new vehicle. It looks amazing. Thank you for this upgrade for patients.”
*Names changed to protect patients' identities
You can impact the patient experience for cancer patients, pediatric patients and all patients.
