NEW CHAPTER — Weirton Medical Center officials announced Wednesday that the hospital has signed a letter of intent to become a full member of the West Virginia University Health System by the end of the year. — file photo
WEIRTON — Weirton Medical Center will become a full member of the West Virginia University Health System by the end of the year, hospital officials announced Wednesday.
WMC became a clinical affiliate of WVU Medicine in January 2020, providing local residents with increased access to specialists and subspecialists and helping local hospitals recruit physicians to serve the region's medical needs. A consent form signed by hospital personnel begins the full membership process.
“Since we began our clinical partnership with WVU Medicine in 2020, WVU Medicine continues to be nationally recognized for providing world-class medical care and groundbreaking research. This partnership with WVU Health System This is just the next step in WMC’s continued growth, allowing patients to expand access to WVU Medicine experts and advanced care within the region,” said WMC President and CEO John Frankovich. states.
“This partnership is more than just an alliance, it is also an investment in the community on the part of WMC and WVU Medicine. In addition to the excellent care we provide, WMC has more than 1,400 employees and is a significant economic addition to the region. We are making an impact. Our partnership with WVU Medicine ensures that WMC continues to provide the exceptional and compassionate care our patients expect for generations to come.”
WMC and WVU medical officials aim to complete the affiliation process by January 1st.
Weirton Medical Center is a 238-bed acute care hospital serving patients in West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. We operate 50 subsidiary locations throughout the tri-state area. Meanwhile, WVU Health System is West Virginia's largest network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty organizations, with more than 3,000 licensed beds, 4,000 providers, and 30,000 employees working in 24 hospitals and clinics. I am.
“The addition of Weirton Medical Center will allow residents of the state's northernmost county to receive world-class medical care without leaving their homes,” said Albert L. Wright, Jr., President and CEO. We will strengthen our efforts to make this happen.” of the WVU Health System. “While we laid the foundation for our clinical partnership in 2020, we continue to be impressed by both the hospital and the growth opportunities it presents as a full member of our network. We look forward to further expanding our collaboration. I’m looking forward to doing it.”
The move follows Weirton Medical's announcement last fall of a $9 million expansion to the emergency department that included relocating the hospital's labs and building a new gastroenterology center.
WVU Medicine already has a research institute in Wellsburg and a series of facilities in the Wheeling area, including WVU Medicine-Wheeling.
