VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Last week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) visited Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin to meet with hospital leadership and healthcare professionals and learn more about their work to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to families across Western Tidewater.

During the visit, Congresswoman Kiggans discussed the hospital’s role in serving the region and received an update from Bon Secours leadership on its commitment to the Franklin and Western Tidewater communities.

“As a nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how critical our healthcare professionals are to keeping our communities healthy and strong,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Southampton Memorial Hospital plays an important role in ensuring families across Western Tidewater can access the care they need. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the team at Bon Secours about their work and their continued commitment to this community.”

Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital has received increased attention recently regarding the future of healthcare services in the region. During Congresswoman Kiggans’ visit, Bon Secours reiterated its commitment to maintaining high-quality, compassionate care appropriate for the community and continuing to serve residents of Franklin and Western Tidewater.

“As Bon Secours evaluates how best to strengthen hospitals and healthcare facilities facing challenges like declining censuses and lower patient volume, my office will remain engaged with their team and with the community as those plans take shape,” Congresswoman Kiggans continued. “The way patients access healthcare continues to evolve, particularly in rural communities. Ensuring quality care means preserving reliable access to essential services while also strengthening primary and preventive care, responsibly expanding telehealth options, and growing the healthcare workforce available to serve patients.”

“As a primary care provider, I understand how important each of these pieces is to the health of a community. I am encouraged by the opportunity to work with Bon Secours as they determine how best to meet the needs of Western Tidewater, and I will continue advocating to ensure members of our community have access to the care they need. Despite misleading information surrounding the hospital system, Bon Secours remains committed to providing quality care and serving the needs of the community.”

Congresswoman Kiggans has spent her career caring for patients and advocating for improved access to healthcare. Before serving in Congress, she worked as a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner and continues to bring her healthcare background to her work representing Virginia’s Second Congressional District.