Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center Recognizes National Healthcare Decisions Day Set For April 16, 2011

EMPORIA, VA (April 8, 2011) – In 1990, Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act, which gives every person the right to set forth his or her future healthcare wishes in writing with an “advance directive.” This Act empowers individuals to guide loved ones and healthcare providers regarding their healthcare wishes in a written document known as an advance directive. In the advance directive, an individual may also name an “agent” to speak on his behalf should he become unable to do so. This legally binding document can be done without a lawyer, at no cost to the individual and it is easy. Unfortunately, it is estimated that fewer than 25% of all Americans have an advance directive.

Each year since 2008, Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center (SVRMC), along with other national, state and community organizations, has joined in the effort to ensure that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions through participation in National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD).

“As a healthcare organization, our goal is educate and encourage people in our community to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions with family members and their physician, and to make their choices known in an advance directive,” said Linda Burnette, Chief Nursing Officer at SVRMC. “In doing so, fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient. Ultimately, we, as healthcare providers, will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis, and we will be able to ensure that we honor the patient’s wishes when the time comes to do so,” said Burnette.

With healthcare, Your Decisions Matter. Please join SVRMC in recognition of National Healthcare Decision Day. Complimentary advance care planning information and advance directive forms will be available throughout the day on Friday, April 15 in the hospital’s main lobby. In addition, the public is invited to attend an advance directive informational meeting lead by Fletcher Cooke, Esq. of the Crater Area Agency on Aging on Monday, April 18th beginning at 7:00 PM in the SVRMC Classrooms. There is no charge for this event and refreshments will be served.

If you would like to attend the informational meeting or for more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, contact Tracy Mitchell, Senior Circle Advisor at 434-348-4455 or visit the NHDD website at www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.