By Jessica Dean
In a town where history surrounds every street corner, a new kind of transformation is underway—this time, in women’s health. At the center of it is WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, where cutting-edge medicine meets compassionate, local care.
From the delivery room to the operating room, WellSpan is reimagining what it means to care for women at every stage of life and doing it with a mix of modern technology, top-tier safety standards and community-focused innovation.
A Leap Forward in Surgery and Recovery
One of the most groundbreaking additions to WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital is its new robotic-assisted surgery program, powered by the da Vinci Surgical System. For women who need procedures like hysterectomies or fibroid removal, this technology offers greater precision and control, all while minimizing trauma to the body.
Unlike traditional surgery, robotic-assisted procedures use tiny incisions, which often means less pain, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to daily life
“Ensuring our patients have access to cutting edge technology takes extra effort, training and more. Not every place is like that, making WellSpan profound and exceptional,” says Dr. Angelique L. Ridore, a board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health leader at WellSpan.
This program is part of WellSpan’s mission to “keep care close to home”— reducing the need for patients to travel to larger cities for testing and treatments.
Where Families Begin: Maternity Care with Heart
In addition to its surgical advances, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital is gaining national recognition for its maternity care. It was recently named one of the nation’s Best Hospitals for Maternity by U.S. News & World Report—an honor that reflects its commitment to safe, high-quality and family-friendly birth experiences.
The maternity care team includes both experienced OB/GYN physicians and dedicated midwives, working together to create a calm, supportive environment that honors each mother’s birth preferences. The focus is on natural, low-intervention care, but they’re also fully equipped for high-risk situations with a skilled neonatal team ready if needed.
For families in Adams County, it’s care that’s personal—not just clinical. And it’s backed by impressive credentials, including recognition from the Keystone 10 initiative and designation as a Blue Distinction Center for maternity care.
A Smarter, Safer Health System
WellSpan’s efforts aren’t limited to one department. Across the board, the health system is investing in digital tools and data-driven technology to improve outcomes and personalize care. These tools help reduce medical errors, increase patient engagement and let physicians spend more time with their patients.
Care Rooted in Community
What makes WellSpan unique isn’t just the technology—it’s the people. As part of a not-for-profit, mission-driven system, the focus is on patient wellness, not just patient volume.
For Dr. Ridore, the work is deeply personal.
“Helping patients is what inspires me. When reflecting on suffering, people often think about the extremes—but simple steps like prevention or fine tuning medications can make a big impact on their lives.”
Whether it’s a high-risk delivery, a preventive wellness visit or a complex surgery, women in the Gettysburg region now have access to modern care, delivered with compassion and purpose, right in their own backyard.
WellSpan’s Mobile Mammography Unit
WellSpan Health’s Mobile Mammography Unit is making it easier than ever for women to stay on top of their breast health. This state-of-the-art vehicle travels throughout the region, offering the same advanced 3D screening technology found in WellSpan’s medical centers—right in the convenience of local neighborhoods, workplaces and community events.
The unit is staffed by certified technologists who provide a comfortable, private and compassionate experience. Screenings typically take just 15 minutes, and results are reviewed by board-certified radiologists.
Early detection saves lives, and WellSpan’s Mobile Mammography Unit helps remove barriers such as travel time, scheduling challenges and transportation issues—so more women can get the screenings they need, when and where they need them.
To find upcoming locations or make an appointment, visit wellspan.org.
