Centra’s Modernization Update, February 2026
MEDIA ADVISORY
Centra’s Modernization Update, February 2026
LYNCHBURG, VA, February 4, 2026 – In March 2023, Centra’s multi-year modernization plan
was announced. Recently, we have seen aspects of the modernization plan fulfilled and we
have had the opportunity to celebrate important key milestones. We commemorated the
completion of the Centra Langhorne Medical Center and began seeing patients in the new
facility December 8. In September, we had the official groundbreaking for the new six-story
tower at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for the
Centra Southside Community Hospital Emergency Department expansion.
Digital Capabilities:
Centra is modernizing its technology by developing a patient-centered digital health ecosystem
that includes ambient scribing, security enhancements, digital registration and self-scheduling.
These advancements along with construction projects and process improvements are key
components of our modernization plan.
• Ambient Scribe Technology: Centra’s AI-powered ambient scribe tool is designed to
ease documentation for clinicians, giving them more time to focus on patient care. By
automating note-taking and streamlining decision-making and coordination, providers
can engage with patients without the distraction of computer screens, creating more
natural and meaningful interactions. Centra plans to expand the use of the ambient
scribe to the Emergency Department in the coming months, followed by implementation
for inpatient providers.
• Security Enhancements: Centra is implementing important security enhancements to
strengthen the safety of patients, visitors and Caregivers across our acute care
hospitals. Following a phased approach, a new visitor management system will be
introduced at each Centra hospital location. This updated system will allow Centra to
verify visitor identities, track who is entering our facilities and ensure that all individuals
on campus are appropriately screened. These steps reflect Centra’s ongoing
commitment to providing a safe and secure environment. Upon check-in, each visitor will
receive a printed badge with their name, photo and approved destination, which must be
worn visibly while inside the hospital.
• Digital Registration and Online Scheduling: Centra’s progressive adoption of digital
registration and future online self-scheduling reflects a commitment to digital innovation
that improves both patient experience and care delivery. The initial launch of digital
registration occurred in tandem with the opening of Centra Langhorne Medical Center.
As a part of this process patients can complete registration tasks from their phone or
computer before arrival, reducing wait times, improving data accuracy and easing
administrative burden so care teams can focus more fully on patients. The planned
launch of self-scheduling in 2026 will build on this foundation, giving patients the ability
to view availability, book appointments, receive reminders and avoid delays, while
practices gain better visibility into capacity and scheduling needs.
Centra Langhorne Medical Center:
On December 3, 2025, Centra marked the completion of construction on the new Centra
Langhorne Medical Center (CLMC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the corner of Langhorne
Road and Tate Springs Road in Lynchburg. The five-story, 125,000-square-foot medical office
building is designed to deliver patient-centered care, located in the heart of the community. The
facility integrates advanced technology, modern amenities and centralized services to make
high-quality healthcare more accessible, connected and personal. Among the new technological
features are digital registration and state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Services that were previously spread across the Lynchburg area will now be available in one
convenient location. Centra Langhorne Medical Center includes the following outpatient
specialties:
• Urology • Pulmonology
• Sleep Medicine • Bariatrics
• Endocrinology
• Pain Management
• General Surgery
• Neuroendovascular Surgery
• Neurology • Neurosurgery
• Laboratory • Outpatient Rehab Therapy
• Imaging
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital (LGH) New Tower:
In September, Centra celebrated the groundbreaking for its new state-of-the-art tower at Centra
Lynchburg General Hospital (LGH). Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2028.
At 266,200 square feet, the new six-story tower will expand access to high quality, safe care for
the growing region that Centra serves. The new tower will feature:
• A new emergency department, replacing the existing space with over 70 treatment
spaces, a split-flow care model to improve patient experience, an
integrated EmPATH psychiatric care space, imaging/results lounge and built-in flexibility
for future expansion.
• A new perioperative services floor housing a surgical inpatient unit with advanced
support spaces, including an operating suite of 12 modern operating rooms and postsurgery patient recovery rooms.
• A new labor and delivery unit, mother/baby unit and intensive care nursery designed to
meet the needs of today’s families.
Centra Southside Community Hospital Emergency Department Expansion
In July, Centra announced a $5 million investment to renovate and expand the Centra Southside
Community Hospital Emergency Department (CSCH). Identified in the Community Health
Needs Assessment as a top need and concern, this work is actively addressing the evolving
emergency care needs of patients and communities in the hospital’s eight-county service area.
The project will begin by the end of the year with an estimated completion by next summer,
2026. The expansion plan includes over 2,000 square feet of new and renovated space. The
expanded emergency department will include flexible bays that can increase from 18 to 21
during peak times, dedicated behavioral health bays, fast-track rooms to reduce wait times and
new family consultation spaces for added privacy and comfort. The emergency department will
remain fully operational during the renovation and expansion project.
Centra Simons Run Medical Campus:
Construction at the Centra Simons Run Medical Campus in Lynchburg is progressing steadily,
with both external and internal framing and sheathing completed. Construction is scheduled for
completion in spring 2026, and the campus will expand access to specialized behavioral health
and rehabilitation services. These state-of-the-art facilities will replace the current inpatient
behavioral health and rehabilitation units at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. This project is a
collaboration between Centra and Lifepoint Health affiliates, including Lifepoint Behavioral
Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation. The campus will house two state-of-the-art hospitals:
• Centra Behavioral Health Hospital: A 72-bed facility offering a therapeutic environment
for patients with mental health needs. The opening of this facility will directly contribute
to the clear community need for increased access to mental health care as identified in
the 2021 and 2024 Community Health Needs Assessments. The hospital will provide
both inpatient and outpatient services, with features specific to this patient population
like open community spaces, courtyards and advanced clinical areas to enhance the
experience of our patients and their families. The target opening date is spring of 2026.
• Centra Rehabilitation Hospital: Scheduled to open in summer 2026, this 50-bed
rehabilitation hospital will provide specialized care for patients with complex conditions
such as stroke, brain and spinal injuries, and orthopedic issues. It will feature advanced
therapy gyms, outdoor courtyards, and a secure 12-bed brain injury unit to support safe,
comprehensive recovery.
Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital
As Centra continues consolidating and modernizing services around Centra Lynchburg General
Hospital, the Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH) campus will also undergo significant changes. To
honor VBH’s legacy and its surrounding neighborhood, Centra is launching a planning process
to explore potential options for the future of the campus.
Beginning in early 2026, we will engage the community in meaningful conversations about the
future of VBH. This process will include input from neighbors, hospital employees, volunteers,
stakeholders and the broader Lynchburg community to share information, address concerns and
develop a feasible adaptive reuse plan. A comprehensive study will integrate building data,
market analysis, community feedback, case studies and other relevant insights to guide
decision-making. Final recommendations will be shared during an open house in late spring
