CommonSpirit - Continuing Care Hospital - Lexington

10/30/2026

Meet Lisa Cook, case manager RN at CommonSpirit – Continuing Care Hospital – Lexington 👋

“I work with a wonderful team of professionals that are very knowledgeable and caring. Together we are able to work with the patients to help them achieve their discharge goals. It's very rewarding to set a patient up for a successful discharge and to know that you helped make a difference in someone's life. It's also very uplifting to work with a supportive team of professionals that make each work day welcoming, fun and safe. My leadership team is very compassionate, understanding, and truly wants to help me grow in my career. My favorite thing about working at CommonSpirit is that I can allow the Lord to work through me to help others.”

Thank you, Lisa, for being a shining example of humankindness 🩷

10/03/2026

This afternoon, Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington hosted its annual fall festival for our caregivers and their families 🎃🍂 The festival also kicks off the start of a year-long celebration of the hospital's 150th anniversary as the weekend marks several key milestones in the hospital's history.

On October 2, 1877, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth arrived at the original hospital, a 12-bed house located at 320 Linden Walk. One year later, the Sisters moved the hospital to Second Street, where they served Lexington for 81 years. On October 5, 1959, crews broke ground on the new location, just across Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, where Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington still cares for patients today.

Since then, the ministry has expanded to seven hospitals and nearly one hundred care sites across Kentucky, serving more than 35 counties and carrying on the legacy of its founders as CommonSpirit Health.

Here for you then; here for you now; here for you always 🩷

10/01/2026

Katelyn Dyer was a healthy 26-year-old with a new baby at home, so it didn't surprise her that she was constantly tired. But the persistence of the fatigue prompted her to visit Jessica McMaine, APRN at CommonSpirit Medical Group – Primary Care in Wi******er for a check-up, which later led to a life-changing diagnosis of papillary carcinoma – thyroid cancer – that she says “came out of nowhere.”

Katelyn and Jessica shared the story with Drew Amman at LEX 18 earlier this week to raise awareness about the often silent disease and highlight the vital importance of a relationship with your primary care provider during Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September. Now, at age 28, Katelyn says her labs are almost back to normal – and once the tumor marker reaches a certain number, the cancer is considered gone.

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and a woman in recovery is sharing her story to encourage others to seek routine care.

Katelyn Dyer had never faced a serious health issue before her diagnosis.

10/01/2026

When was the last time you had your cholesterol checked? In this HealthBreak, Dr. Tyler Elam explains LDL cholesterol – what it is, why it should be monitored and what can be done to improve cholesterol levels.

09/30/2026

Celebrate life – fund hope. The 11th annual Yes, Mamm! Yes, Cerv! 5K is just over a week away on Saturday, Oct. 10 at R. J. Corman Railroad Group in Nicholasville. Gates open at 7:30 and the race starts at 9:00, with activities for race participants, supporters, kids and families. Proceeds from the 5K benefit the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation's Yes, Mamm! Yes, Cerv! program, which provides underinsured and uninsured patients with screenings, resources and more to prevent breast and cervical cancer, and detect cancer sooner for earlier treatment. 🩷🏃‍♀️

This year's event will also feature a new, free Survivorship Day celebration immediately after race start, which recognizes cancer survivors and provides a dedicated space for sharing quality time, supporting others and hearing inspiring stories of hope and healing. 🫂

Register for the race today at https://ow.ly/GNea50ZTblZ, or RSVP for the Survivorship Celebration by using code HOPE2026 at checkout for free admission.

09/29/2026

Humankindness lives here. Felicia is a communications operator at CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington, and a shining example of how we all hold the power to heal.

09/26/2026

CommonSpirit Health is excited to welcome Hesham Afifyi, MD, to CommonSpirit Medical Group - Cardiology in Lexington. Dr. Afify values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, listen to each patient’s story and guide them through complex heart conditions.

Dr. Afify completed his general and interventional cardiology training at the University of Louisville. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and certified in Nuclear Cardiology and Adult Echocardiography. He earned his medical degree from Menoufia University, completed Internal Medicine training at UCF, and holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology from Wake Forest University, where he conducted cancer research and authored peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Afify to the team!

09/24/2026

Bunions are a deformity of the big toe, which causes pain and makes certain types of shoes difficult to wear. Andrew Bouwkamp, DPM, shares insights on the minimally invasive treatments available to correct bunions.

09/23/2026

CommonSpirit – Kentucky recently awarded $20,000 to The Fayette Education Foundation as part of its 2026 Art of Humankindness Initiative, providing art teachers at 12 elementary schools in Lexington with grants to support specialized projects designed to encourage kindness, empathy and friendship within classrooms.

The program is part of the health system’s Creating Safer Neighborhoods Initiative, led by manager Demetria Blair, MBA, and funded by the CommonSpirit Health Mission & Ministry Fund. It aims to promote positive expression, foster environments where students can thrive, and leave a lasting, visible impact on the school community.

Jarrett Millsaps, FACHE, President of Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington, joined Andrea Walker in the FOX 56 News studio last week to talk about the healing power of humankindness in our community and some of the creative school art projects made possible through the program.

09/22/2026

Rooted in the unshakeable belief that we all hold the power to heal. Saint Joseph Health is now CommonSpirit.

09/21/2026

Meet Heather, a clinical nurse specialist who helps empower our cancer team in Lexington. By providing vital education and implementing evidence-based practices, she's elevating the care we provide to our patients and amplifying the healing power of humankindness across our ministry.

08/14/2026

Meet Bryan Jackson, an LPN at CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington. At CommonSpirit, our mission is to improve the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable. As a caregiver, Bryan seeks to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Thank you, Bryan, for helping improve the lives of those we serve.

08/09/2026

Meet Aly Banys, clinical pharmacist specialist for Continuing Care Hospital – Lexington. Aly has served our ministry for two years and is excited to be a part of CommonSpirit Health.

“Being able to give back to the community through excellent care for our patients is the most important part of being a caregiver. Seeing them transform throughout their stay is extremely rewarding and knowing our hospital cares for the community is too,” she said.

While our name has changed, our people, mission and spirit remain the same. We look forward to continuing serving you and your families.

Thank you, Aly, for your dedication to our ministry and helping us strengthen our mission of sharing our one common spirit for the common good!

08/02/2026

Meet Michaela Stone, registered nurse at CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Hospital – Mount Sterling. Michaela has served our ministry for four years and is excited to be a part of CommonSpirit Health.

“The teamwork here and knowing that there is always help when you need it is such a valuable part of working for CommonSpirit. I love working here and being part of this ministry,” she said.

While our name has changed, our people, mission and spirit remain the same. We look forward to continuing serving you and your families.

Thank you, Michaela, for your dedication to our ministry and helping us strengthen our mission of sharing our one common spirit for the common good!

07/31/2026

Meet Micah Charles Cheng, nursing manager at CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington. Micah’s call to nursing started as a tragedy in his community. Today, Micah uses his God-given talents to provide high-quality, compassionate care at CommonSpirit. Thank you, Micah, for being a shining example of humankindness 🫶

07/26/2026

Meet Cristi Ballard, lead radiation therapist at Saint Joseph Hospital–East Lexington. Cristi has served our ministry for nineteen years and is excited for Saint Joseph Health to join CommonSpirit Health!

She says, “Providing expert care that is deeply personal and compassionate. My goal is to create a warm environment where patients feel seen, safe and valued. This approach goes beyond technical expertise, focusing on acts of humankindness—such as providing warm gowns, blankets and attentive listening—to build trust and make a meaningful difference in our patients lives.”

While our name is changing, our people, mission and spirit remain the same. We look forward to continuing serving you and your families.

Thank you, Cristi, for your dedication to our ministry and helping us strengthen our mission of sharing our one common spirit for the common good!

07/25/2026

Meet Dr. Shengnan Zheng 👋 Dr. Zheng loves helping her patients and making a difference in their lives. She loves working for CommonSpirit Health in Kentucky, because of its faith-based and people-centered mission.

07/24/2026

CommonSpirit Health in Kentucky is excited to invite local non-profit organizations to apply for its Community Health Improvement Grants, an initiative that strengthens partnerships with organizations working to improve the health and well being of the communities we serve.

Ready to learn more and apply? Community organizations can visit: https://ow.ly/mVbZ50ZrXzi

07/21/2026

Meet John Hall, IT specialist for CommonSpirit Health in Kentucky. At CommonSpirit, our people care and believe in our mission to improve the lives of one another and the people we serve. Humankindness lives here 🩷

07/19/2026

Meet Kara Fugate, RN at Saint Joseph London. Kara has served our ministry for two years and is excited for Saint Joseph Health to join CommonSpirit Health!

She says, “The most meaningful part of being a caregiver is being there for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Whether it’s providing comfort, advocating for a patient, or simply offering kindness and reassurance, I love knowing that even small actions can make a big difference.”

While our name is changing, our people, mission and spirit remain the same. We look forward to continuing serving you and your families.

Thank you, Kara, for your dedication to our ministry and helping us strengthen our mission of sharing our one common spirit for the common good!