General News
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 illness 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 Mayra Draughn, Patient Care Manager and Director of Operations for Valley Hospice House. “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.”
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.
“I am incredibly proud of the compassionate, patient-centered care our team has provided,” said Dr. Lokesh Marigowda, Medical Director of Valley Hospice House. “Families often tell us how much comfort they feel knowing their loved one is surrounded by dignity, comfort and support during such a vulnerable time.”
The facility was thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering 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. Birdhouses placed outside patient windows symbolize hope, peace and love.
“Valley Hospice House exists because our community deserves a place where comfort replaces crisis,” Marigowda added. “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.
