News

  • Dr. Andrew Demeusy and Dr. Thomas L. Eisenhauer in front of the da Vinci surgical system.

    Rutherford Regional Health System Advances Surgical Care Close to Home

    June 16, 2026

    Rutherford Regional Health System is pleased to announce the expansion of access to advanced surgical care with the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision.

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  • Andy, Wound Care Patient

    Wound Healing Close to Home: Andy’s Story

    June 09, 2026

    When a painful wound began affecting his mobility, Andy turned to Rutherford Regional’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center for help. With personalized treatment, compassionate support, and a strong commitment to care, Andy is now nearly healed and back to the active life he loves. His story highlights the importance of early treatment and the impact of expert wound care close to home.

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  • Julie Thorn

    Rutherford Regional Hosting Free Lunch & Learn on Wound Care

    May 29, 2026

    Community members are invited to learn about wound prevention, treatment options, and when to seek specialized care during a free Lunch and Learn led by wound care provider Julie Thorn, AGNP-C.

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  • Brandee Whitmire, CMA

    Rutherford Regional Names 2026 Mercy Award Winner, Brandee Whitmire

    May 14, 2026

    Brandee Whitmire, CMA, recognized for demonstrating compassion and providing outstanding service to patients, the hospital, and local community.

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  • Rutherford Regional Medical Center

    Rutherford Regional Publishes 2025 Community Benefit Report

    April 28, 2026

    Rutherford Regional Health System today published its community benefit report for the 2025 calendar year. This annual report outlines the various ways the hospital is working to support the health and economic vitality of Western North Carolina as part of its mission of making communities healthier®. “Always striving to advance our mission is how we…

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  • Wound Care Center Ribbon-Cutting Group Photo

    Rutherford Regional Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting of New Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center

    March 23, 2026

    Rutherford Regional Health System proudly celebrated the official ribbon-cutting of its newest service line, the Rutherford Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, on Friday, March 20, marking an important milestone in expanding specialized care for the community.

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  • Julie Thorn

    Julie Thorn, AGNP-C, Joins Rutherford Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center

    March 03, 2026

    Rutherford Regional Health System is pleased to announce that Julie Thorn, AGNP-C, has joined the Rutherford Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, located inside Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

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  • Physician consulting with a patient and using a tablet to explain health information during a checkup

    Rutherford Regional Expands Medication Education to Improve Patient Care

    February 24, 2026

    Rutherford Regional Health System is enhancing the patient experience by strengthening how patients and families receive medication education prior to discharge—an important step in supporting patients as they recover from illness or injury and prepare to continue healing at home.

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  • Inclement Weather

    Rutherford Regional Announces Closures and Service Modifications Due to Winter Storm

    January 23, 2026

    As our community prepares for the upcoming winter storm, Rutherford Regional Health System is adjusting services out of an abundance of caution to help ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and providers.

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  • Healthy Habits to Start in 2026 for Better Overall Health

    Healthy Habits to Start in 2026 for Better Overall Health

    January 19, 2026

    The beginning of a new year offers a natural opportunity to reassess your health and build habits that help you feel better and stay healthier over time. While big resolutions can feel overwhelming or short-lived, the most effective changes usually come from small, sustainable strategies that are easier to maintain.  In…

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  • Byrd Family

    Rutherford Regional Welcomes First Baby of 2026

    January 05, 2026

    On January 1, 2026, Stella and Trevor welcomed the first baby of the year at Rutherford Regional Medical Center, a healthy baby boy. The Birthplace team provided exceptional care, making this a memorable start to the new year for the family. Read the full press release and view photos here.

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  • Nurse applying a tourniquet and getting a patient ready for a blood test during a routine exam

    What Your Annual Blood Work Can Reveal About Your Health

    December 22, 2025

    Your yearly blood work gives your provider information they can’t see during a physical exam, sometimes before you notice any symptoms at all. Blood work isn’t only for sick visits – routine lab work plays a key role in preventive care and long-term health.  In Rutherfordton, North Carolina,…

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  • Lifestyle

    You Can Help Stop the Spread – Safeguarding Our Community Against Measles

    December 18, 2025

    Measles is highly contagious but preventable — and your child’s protection starts with vaccination. Our pediatricians at Rutherford Regional Health System share what families need to know to recognize symptoms, stay safe, and keep the community healthy. Learn more and find out how to schedule your child’s next appointment.

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  • Person resting on a couch with signs of headache or exhaustion, illustrating common illness symptoms

    Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

    November 25, 2025

    When your child starts coughing, sneezing, or running a fever, it can be hard to know what you’re dealing with. As the seasons change and kids head back to school or daycare, coughs and sniffles start making the rounds. Here in Rutherfordton, NC, that often leaves parents asking: is it just a cold, or something more serious like the flu, RSV, or…

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  • Healthgrades Awards

    Rutherford Regional Health System Achieves Healthgrades’ Top Honor for Specialty Care

    November 14, 2025

    Rutherford Regional Health System has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades, placing it among the nation’s top performers for specialty care. The hospital also earned a Specialty Excellence Award and five-star ratings for total knee replacement, total hip replacement, stroke treatment, and GI bleed treatment. These recognitions highlight Rutherford Regional’s commitment to providing exceptional, high-quality care and outstanding patient outcomes close to home.

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  • What Does Breast Cancer Look Like in Its Early Stages?

    What Does Breast Cancer Look Like in Its Early Stages?

    October 21, 2025

    Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. But what does breast cancer actually look like in its earliest stages? It’s not always a visible lump – early signs can be subtle, and knowing what to watch for can make all the difference. Below are some common early signs and symptoms to be…

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  • Rutherford Regional Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for Intensive Outpatient Program

    October 09, 2025

    Rutherford Regional Health System recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its Intensive Outpatient Program, which expands access to behavioral health services for the community. The program provides structured, evidence-based treatment to support adults on their journey to recovery and improved mental wellness.

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  • Rutherford Regional Completes First Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery

    October 02, 2025

    Rutherford Regional Health System is proud to announce the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Dietrich Kayser. While this marks a first for our hospital, Dr. Kayser is highly experienced in robotic-assisted procedures, bringing advanced orthopedic care to our community. Using the CORI™ Surgical System, this innovative technology allows for greater precision, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays—offering patients a more advanced option for treating chronic knee pain.

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  • Physician consulting with a patient and using a tablet to explain health information during a checkup

    Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Annual Physical: Screenings That Save Lives

    September 26, 2025

    Many people put off their annual physical, if they feel fine, there’s no urgent need to visit the doctor. But skipping your yearly check-up can mean missing the early signs of serious conditions that are often treatable if caught early.  At Rutherford Regional Health System, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Your annual physical is a…

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  • Cardiac Rehab Patient

    Finding Purpose After Heart Surgery: Lula’s Cardiac Rehab Journey

    September 16, 2025

    After a complicated heart procedure, Lula joined Rutherford Regional’s Cardiac Rehab Program, finding support, purpose, and friendship while regaining strength and staying healthy.

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