The future will bring new services and, potentially, a brand-new facility to Reston Hospital Center.
The hospital opened a new, 8-room unit for patients receiving cancer treatment on Dec. 20, 2024, completing the first phase of an expansion of its oncology program, HCA Virginia Health System announced last Thursday (Jan. 23).
Located in the main hospital at 1850 Town Center Parkway, the inpatient unit gives patients access to a team of trained nurses who specialize in cancer care, navigators and social workers. That team will work with the hospital’s rehabilitation, physical therapy, imaging and pharmacy staff to ensure patients get the best possible care, according to a press release.
“This new space is the first step in our plans to expand our oncology service line,” Laura-Anne Cleveland, Reston Hospital’s chief nursing officer, said. “Our goal is to continuously evolve and align our resources to provide the highest level of clinical care, support and expertise that patients and providers have come to expect at Reston Hospital Center.”
Future phases of the expansion will focus on adding more services, training and staff, rather than any construction, Reston Hospital communications director Jess Norman says.
The hospital is next looking to delve into cancer research and establish a CAR-T (cancer immunotherapy treatment) program, building on an existing oncology program that provides screenings, treatment, and educational and support services for adults.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology.
“We look forward to making Reston Cancer Care Services a sought-after location for excellence in comprehensive cancer treatment,” Reston Hospital Associate Chief Nursing Officer Becki Lawhorne said. “Our future growth plans for the cancer program highlight how HCA Virginia and Reston Hospital Center understand the care our community needs and work tirelessly to meet those needs.”
Herndon surgical center proposed
In addition to enhancing its oncology program in Reston, HCA Virginia is exploring the possibility of opening an outpatient surgical hospital in the Herndon area.
The Northern Virginia Surgicenter would have four operating rooms and be located at 13350 Franklin Farm Road, Suite 100, according to a notice that the Virginia Department of Health published on Sept. 11, 2024 when Reston Hospital requested certification of the proposed facility. The project carries a total estimated capital cost of $7.27 million.
While Norman says Reston Hospital doesn’t have any additional information to share, with the project still in the early planning stages, HCA leaders told the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia’s (HSANV) Board of Directors on Nov. 11 that the health care system is partnering with OrthoVirginia to convert an existing operatory office.
“The purpose of the project is to permit OrthoVirginia to serve government insured (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare) outpatient surgery patients on site, rather than treat them in a nearby hospital outpatient surgery service or other surgery center,” HCA officials said, as summarized in the meeting minutes.
Per the minutes, two of the four operating rooms planned in the surgical center would be “transferred” from Reston Hospital Center. However, HCA told the board that the change isn’t expected to have any “noticeable effect on other surgery services.”
“The project is a relatively low cost way to add beneficial surgery capacity,” officials said, also citing “more efficient operations” and greater convenience for both surgeons and patients as benefits.
HCA’s request for a certificate of public need was approved 9-1 by the HSANV board, allowing the health care system to proceed with the project.
