The Medical Center presented gifts to 202 employees at the annual service awards banquet, honoring employees who have reached five year increments in their service. The 202 employees have worked a collective total of more than 2,570 years.

"Each of these employees is special, and they make Danville Regional a special hospital," said Jess Judy, the LifePoint Executive responsible for Danville Regional, who spoke at the banquet at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

Judy told the employees that Danville Regional continues to improve. "There are fewer complaints, and that is evidence that our efforts are paying off to make the hospital an excellent place to work and a place of quality patient care," he said. "Our best days are ahead of us with dedicated employees and physicians."

Joan Yeatts of Blairs has been employed longer than any employee recognized. An employee for more than 35 years, she is in the environmental services department. Shirley Artis of Danville, Ruth Reed of Blairs and Regenia Terry of Danville also were recognized for 35 years of service.

Of the 202 employees honored, 12 have 30 years, 19 have 25 years, 17 have 20 years, 33 have 15 years, 35 have 10 years and 82 have five years of service. Danville Regional has a large number of employees who have long tenures with the hospital. More than 50 have worked there for more than 30 years, and the turnover rate is considerably lower than the national average.

Michael Day, a registered nurse at the Medical Center and singer, provided the entertainment for the banquet.

Danville Regional is the leading Medical Center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina, providing open heart surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Approximately 140 physicians are on the Medical Staff. The Medical Center employs approximately 1,540 people.