Overview
Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va., is a not-for-profit, 116-bed modern medical facility dedicated to bringing quality healthcare to the residents of this region.
Johnston Memorial is equipped to provide you with the advanced technology and specialty care you need — right here, close to home.
Johnston Memorial Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center offers comprehensive, specialized care in one convenient location. Our skilled, highly-trained staff works as a team to provide full-service care for a wide range of heart and vascular conditions.
In the fight against cancer, Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon is on the front lines, right here at home. With our exceptional physicians, team members and advanced technology, cancer has met its match.
When you need surgery, Johnston Memorial Hospital has you covered. From cataracts to appendectomies and everything in between, we take care of your surgical needs.
If pain is preventing you from moving freely and enjoying life, Johnston Memorial Hospital can help. Our specialty team provides expert treatment for hip, knee, shoulder, hand, feet and ankle conditions.
Johnston Memorial Hospital’s Family Birth Center delivers the optimal environment and one-on-one attention you and your newborn deserve. We offer the latest advances in maternity care and an exceptional team of nurses, OB physicians, pediatric hospitalists and staff, as well as lactation consultants and a wide range of education resources.
Safe Sleep Certification

Cribs for Kids has awarded Ballad Health’s Birthing Center at Johnston Memorial Hospital their Gold Tier Safe Sleep Hospital Certification. This means that we’ve shown outstanding commitment in reducing the risk of:
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)
- Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB)
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Unsafe sleep injuries
Our Birthing Centers provide safe sleep education to our staff caring for infants, their family and caregivers. In addition to this, we identify at-risk family/caregivers in need of safe sleep spaces and ensure they have what they need before they’re discharged.
Learn more about Cribs for Kids and their Safe Sleep Hospital Certification.
Our caring therapists are trained, experienced, certified and completely dedicated to each patient’s full recovery. We provide a wide range of occupational, physical and speech therapy services–the most comprehensive in the area–for adults and pediatrics.
Pediatrics
While at Johnston Memorial Hospital, babies and children are cared for by our pediatric hospitalist team. These trained pediatricians work exclusively in the inpatient setting, communicating regularly with your child’s primary pediatrician to ensure continuity of care.
Like your primary pediatrician, pediatric hospitalists have expertise in a wide range of pediatric medical conditions, so their constant presence in the hospital and familiarity with your child’s condition can help relieve any stress or anxiety that may accompany a hospital stay. Pediatric hospitalists are also onsite during delivery to help provide care for your newborn. They are dedicated to creating a smooth transition from the hospital to your home and the care of your primary pediatrician.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Johnston Memorial Hospital offers robotic-assisted surgery with the Mako SmartRobotics™ robotic system for total and partial knee replacement and hip replacement surgery. This less invasive surgical system significantly reduces the recovery time and pain for patients.
Learn more about robotic-assisted surgery.
Stroke
Johnston Memorial Hospital provides our patients with a multidisciplinary team to direct treatment using evidence-based protocols for the care and management of our stroke patients.
Emergency Care
Highly trained physicians and nurses offer quick assessment/treatment in the 29-bed unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The general dentristry, family medicine and internal medicine residency programs at Johnston Memorial Hospital are committed to providing advanced, innovative and specialized training in general dentistry, osteopathic family medicine and internal medicine.
Medical care and community impact reports
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
Johnston Memorial Hospital CHNA [PDF – opens in new window]
CMS price transparency
Johnston Memorial Hospital Standard Charges [CSV file, 38.8 MB]
Standard Charges file last updated June 9, 2023.
You can learn more about pre-visit coordination and registration here and about payment options here.
Metrics by MS-DRG*
Johnston Memorial MS-DRG metrics [PDF, 262KB], fiscal year 2023
View more Ballad Health MS-DRG metrics here.
*MS-DRGs are Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups.
Learn more
Expand a section below to learn more about Johnston Memorial Hospital and our community.
CEO Message and Leadership
Physician founded over 100 years ago, with the responsibility to provide for the health of the residents of Southwest Virginia, Johnston Memorial Hospital is a community hospital at its very core. We've grown and changed in order to meet that need in more advanced ways, but our commitment to that initial mission is as strong as ever. Over the last decade, we've opened a brand-new facility and added several key specialty services, including cardiac and cancer care. Most recently, we opened the Children's Resource Center at Johnston Memorial in partnership with Ballad Health's Niswonger Children's Network.
While all of these things help to demonstrate our dedication to providing specialized, high-quality care to those we serve, I'm also incredibly proud of the way we do it. I know without a doubt, that none of our accomplishments could happen without an extraordinary team that is committed to bring their best to the job every day. It takes compassionate caregivers, exceptional medical staff and dedicated volunteers and board members – all of which you will find here at Johnston Memorial.
I've been fortunate to serve in Southwest Virginia for over a decade, and I'm pleased to be a part of the ongoing vision here at Johnston Memorial and in our community. I look forward to all we can accomplish together to help improve the health of our region and thank you for continuing to choose Johnston Memorial Hospital for your care.
Sincerely,
John L. Jeter, CPA, MBA
Vice President/Chief Executive Officer
Johnston Memorial Hospital
Leadership
- Chad Couch, MD – President, Northern Region
- John Jeter – VP, Chief Executive Officer
- Bryan Mullins – VP, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Ballad Health; Administrator/Chief Operating Officer, Johnston Memorial
- Bob Bender – VP, Chief Financial Officer
- Mhroos Peters, MD – VP, Chief Medical Officer
- Melissa Whited, RN – Associate Administrator/Chief Nursing Officer
- Jackie Phipps – Director, Human Resources
History
1905
First hospital in Abingdon established
Dr. E.T. Brady, a leading Abingdon physician, established the first hospital on Court Street in December 1905. The small wooden structure had a 12-bed capacity and was a private endeavor. Dr. Brady served as Chief of Staff with two physicians and four resident nurses.
1910
Hospital changes ownership
Because of insufficient patronage, the hospital was forced to close its doors in 1910. Community leaders ventured to Richmond and convinced George Ben Johnston, MD, and Amis Willis, MD, to buy controlling interest in the hospital. They chose F.H. Smith, MD, as the administrator.
Surgical conditions
F.H. Smith, MD, noted the primitive surgical conditions he found at the early hospital. "We had no sterilizing plant. The surgeons brought with them a trunk full of sterile supplies, and took back other material for sterilization. Yet, there were only four deaths in the first year."
1917
Incorporation
The hospital became incorporated.
1919
New 40-bed hospital opens
In July 1919, the doors of a new 40-bed George Ben Johnston Memorial Hospital opened with over 500 people attending the formal opening. The hospital was built with community support and dedicated to the memory of its founder, who died in 1916. The original 1919 building is still used by several departments at Johnston Memorial Hospital. The well-constructed wing houses administrative offices, the endoscopy suite, and health information management departments. The original structure has undergone several massive renovations during its many years of service.
Laboratory services
The 1919 structure brought modern laboratory services to Johnston Memorial Hospital. When the hospital first opened, physicians conducted many of the diagnostic tests in what were described as a "scant laboratory," with minimal equipment and technology. The JMH laboratory of today is a state-of-the-art facility under the direction of pathologists. The laboratory has contained a chemistry lab, hematology lab and an independent blood bank.
1920s
Radiology services
During the 1920s, a Radiology Department was added to Johnston Memorial Hospital, helping make the hospital one of the leading diagnostic facilities in the region. The Radiology Department came under the administration of the hospital chief of staff.
1920s–1930s
Obstetric physician
During the 1920s and 1930s, the first physician specializing in obstetrics joined the medical staff. A Children's and Baby Ward were opened and furnished by contributions from the Johnston Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and the Hospital Club of Abingdon.
1940s
Cadet nursing corp
During World War II, several nurses and physicians were called into military service. This decade saw the advent of the Cadet Nursing Corp, a group of nurses' aides, who served on the floors in many capacities.
Surgical and delivery room construction
In the late 1940s, construction began on a new wing for modern surgical and delivery rooms.
1950s
Operating and delivery rooms construction complete
The decade of the 1950s was a time of major expansion at the Abingdon hospital. A new wing housing modern operating and delivery rooms was opened. Renovation projects included a modern kitchen and dietary department.
1958
Pediatric and physical therapy wing added
1960s
Johnston Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
The 1960s was the last full decade in operations of Johnston Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing. Since its beginning, JMH had served as a training residence for nursing students from throughout the region.
1967
New wing added
Construction on a new wing began in 1967 and was completed in the 1970s.This addition increased the hospital's bed capacity to 154 with 12 newborn bassinets. New services offered during this decade include surgical intensive care and outpatient surgery.
1971
Johnston Memorial Hospital Nursing School graduates last class
1985
Construction on new wing begins
Construction beings for a new wing, which included a state-of-the-art emergency department and new facilities for radiology, respiratory care, and outpatient ssurgery.
1989
Non-invasive cardiology department added
1994
Renovations completed
A number of changes occurred during the 1990s including completion of a multi-floor parking facility, new entrance and lobby area, and renovation of the first floor.
1998
Open MRI
In September of 1998, Johnston Memorial Hospital added the region's first and only open MRI to its Radiology Department.
1999
ER renovations completed
In February 1999, a complete renovation and expansion project was completed in the Emergency Department.
2001
Endoscopy and surgical suite renovations
Renovation of the second floor of the 1919 building was completed in April to house expanded endoscopy services. Also, a sixth operating room, additional storage space and new locker rooms for surgeons and nursing staff were added.
2002
PET scanning services
A Mobile Diagnostic Pad added for the implementation of mobile Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning Services.
Sleep lab
Johnston Memorial Hospital added Sleep Medicine services including a state-of-the-art sleep lab.
2003
Central energy plant
A central energy plant was constructed which combined hospital heating, cooling and emergency power generation into a separate facility.
Women’s imaging center
Johnston Memorial Hospital Women's Imaging Center was established and located in Glenrochie Professional Building.
2004
Second MRI installed
Second MRI unit was installed in the new radiology facility attached to the hospital.
Rehabilitation services
Outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy clinic opened off-site.
2006
Diagnostic imaging center
Johnston Memorial Hospital opened a diagnostic center in the Urgent Care Center to perform X-rays, and lab draws outside the hospital.
Outpatient surgery waiting area renovation
Renovations were completed in the waiting area to provide additional comfort to patients and their families.
2007
Cancer center
Johnston Memorial Hospital opened a new cancer center, located at Johnston Meadows, to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
Bristol East Diagnostic Center
To provide additional imaging services to the community, Johnston Memorial Hospital opened a diagnostic imaging center in Bristol, Va., just off Exit 7.
Joint Trails program
Joint Trails, a progressive knee and hip joint replacement program, opened on the 3rd floor of Johnston Memorial Hospital.
2008
Urgent care center
Johnston Memorial Hospital opened the Urgent Care Center to provide convenient and timely treatment for cases that don't require emergency room care.
Diabetes care center
The Diabetes Care Center was opened to provide the latest in diabetes care, treatment and education.
2009
Surgery center
The outpatient surgery center opened to provide same day surgical procedures in a comfortable, healing environment.
Johnston Memorial and Mountain States Health partnership
The partnership between Mountain States Health and Johnston Memorial Hospital was made official in April 2009, ushering in a new era of health care for the residents of Southwest Virginia.
2010
Comprehensive wound care
The Center for Comprehensive Wound Care specializes in addressing the underlying cause of difficult-to heal wounds and treating them to control infection and improve the overall health of patients.
2011
New Johnston Memorial Hospital built
Johnston Memorial Hospital achieves Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD certification.
2014
Johnston Memorial Hospital launches first 24/7 cardiac cath lab in Southwest Virginia
Hospital Parking
Low-Emission Vehicle Parking – Twenty-four parking spaces close to the building have been designated for low-emitting vehicles in an effort to encourage our guests to drive fuel-efficient cars.