In its first year of opening, Valley Hospice House, a facility of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, has served more than 500 patients across the region, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to compassionate end-of-life care.

Located at 2431 Legion Road, the eight-suite, home-like facility was created to provide patients with serious illnesses a peaceful and comfortable setting when symptoms can no longer be managed at home. Through close partnerships with local hospice agencies, Valley Hospice House ensures seamless, compassionate care while allowing families to remain near their loved ones.

“Valley Hospice House was created to ensure that comfort, dignity and expert symptom management are accessible to the community when they need it most,” said Patient Care Manager and Director of Operations for Valley Hospice House Mayra Draughn in a press release. “In our first year, we have cared for more than 500 hospice patients and provided over 100 respite stays, supporting not only those at the bedside, but also the caregivers who love them.”

Draughn noted that the milestone reflects the strength of collaboration across the community.

“This work is made possible through our strong partnerships with community hospice agencies, our dedicated volunteers, including our No One Dies Alone (NODA) volunteers and the collaboration of our inpatient pharmacy team, providers, dietary and the interdisciplinary staff. I am especially humbled to lead a nursing team that shows up every day to provide hands-on care at the bedside, holding hands, expertly managing symptoms and creating moments of peace during life’s most vulnerable transitions,” added Draughn in a press release.

Valley Hospice House offers around-the-clock nursing care for patients experiencing pain, breathing difficulties or other complex symptoms. An interdisciplinary team addresses not only medical needs, but also emotional, spiritual and social support for both patients and their families. In some cases, patients improve enough to return home with continued hospice services.

The facility offers welcoming gathering spaces, overnight accommodations and rooms for quiet reflection, spiritual care and grief counseling. Care teams work to create meaningful moments, from arranging bedside serenades of a couple’s wedding song to helping organize a wedding ceremony so a mother could watch her son marry. 

“Valley Hospice House exists because our community deserves a place where comfort replaces crisis,” Medical Director of Valley Hospice House Dr. Lokesh Marigowda added in a press release. “It is about ensuring every person is treated with compassion and respect at the end of life.”

Leaders remain committed to expanding access and strengthening partnerships to continue serving patients and families throughout the region.

For more information, visit capefearvalley.com/hospice.