DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - Danville Regional Medical Center is racing to try to find a new cardiac surgeon.
The only one the hospital had left at the end of November to be closer to family, but DRMC CEO Alan Larson says this isn't the time to panic.
"If you look back over our history, I've actually discovered there were a couple periods of time where there wasn't coverage for a short time. So, I think we'll be able to recruit quickly," Larson said. "We're eager to get this service back locally."
Until that happens, anyone needing surgery will have to go somewhere else.
While the number of people who come to the hospital and are found to need heart surgery is relatively small, according to Larson, factors that could lead to heart problems and eventually the need for surgery are higher in Danville and Pittsylvania County than anywhere else in the state.
"There's more tobacco users, even starting as early as teen years. There's not as much access to healthy foods. There's a lot of food deserts in Danville and Pittsylvania County," explained Ashley Ege, development director for the American Heart Association's Western Virginia region.
"And, exercise," Ege continued. "People that live in Pittsylvania County typically do not exercise nearly at the amount that other Virginians do."
Larson said the hospital will help transport people to other hospitals if necessary and will work with people in the event that their insurance isn't covered at the hospital.
He also reminds people that just because the hospital can't do heart surgery, they can still come there for all their other heart needs.
"Danville Regional Medical Center is the only emergency room, the only chest pain center, in our area. You need to come here, not to your physician's office, not to an urgent care clinic. If you think you're having a heart attack, you need to come here," explained Larson.
The hospital does not know how long it may take to find and hire a new cardiac surgeon.
Larson said the hospital is looking for someone who has a wide range of expertise.
"In addition to open heart surgery, we're looking for candidates that have the ability to vascular surgery and thoracic surgery," he explained.
Anyone with questions can contact the hospital at 434-799-2100.