STOCKBRIDGE - At Piedmont Henry Hospital, oncology isn’t just about treatment. It’s about walking with people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure they don’t have to do it alone.
For Ashley Woodie, Director of Oncology, that calling started early. “I’ve always been someone who enjoys taking care of other people,” she shared. What began as a path into nursing has grown into more than a decade in oncology, a space she describes as both deeply emotional and deeply meaningful.
Ashley Woodie, Director of Oncology at Piedmont Henry Hospital
Ashley Woodie, Director of Oncology at Piedmont Henry Hospital
Today, that care is expanding in a big way for residents of Henry County.
Piedmont Henry is growing its oncology services so more patients can receive advanced care without leaving the community. New diagnostic technology, including an ion robotic bronchoscopy system, allows doctors to detect lung cancer earlier and with less risk. The hospital is also upgrading radiation oncology equipment and working toward expanding treatment capacity right here in Stockbridge.
That expansion matters more than people may realize.
“Treatment takes a toll,” Woodie explained. “Even if you feel well enough to get there, by the end of the day, you may not.”
Being able to receive care close to home means less time in traffic, less physical strain, and more energy focused on healing.
Even when patients need a specialist outside of Henry County, they can stay within the Piedmont system, where doctors are connected, records are shared, and much of their treatment can still happen close to home.
That team includes nurse navigators, social workers, and dietitians who support patients through treatment and connect them to resources they may need. Wellness programs like yoga, support groups, and nutrition classes are also being brought back and expanded.
The hospital’s recent radiation oncology accreditation is another step forward. Programs like this recognize facilities that meet rigorous national standards for safety, coordination, and patient-centered care, giving patients added confidence in the quality of care they’re receiving.
Still, if there’s one message Woodie hopes the community takes to heart, it’s simple.
Get screened.
Pay attention to your body.
Don’t wait.
Because behind every piece of equipment, every program, and every expansion is one goal. Helping people not just fight cancer, but live fully, right here at home.