WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The CEO at Williamson Memorial Hospital said Monday the hospital would be closing Tuesday as previously announced. A new-look operation with a new owner is expected to reopen later this year.
A statement from current CEO Gene Preston said the impact of the ongoing pandemic sealed the bankrupted hospital’s fate.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we have no other alternative to keep the facility operating. However, the new facility owner has expressed his desire to seek out the needed partners for emergency services, lab and X-ray to return to the hospital in the future,” Preston said in a Facebook post.
Williamson Health & Wellness purchased Williamson Memorial out of bankruptcy from Mingo Health Partners LLC of Williamson on April 1 for $3.68 million. The deal, which was approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Volk, doesn’t officially close until April 30. Williamson Health CEO Dr. Dino Beckett previously MetroNews his organization had a three-part plan for the hospital beginning with moving some existing clinics and programs from downtown Williamson into the building.
“We’ll work to transition those practices that are under Williamson Health & Wellness into space at the hospital and then build-out services that we see fit and then we’ll put some partners in the health arena that we can work with to provide the necessary care that we need to have for Williamson and the Tug Valley area,” Beckett said.
In his statement Monday, Preston said those changes won’t occur until post-pandemic.
“I am confident that services will return to that facility to serve the Williamson community once our country’s healthcare system stabilizes post pandemic,” Preston said.
Preston also praised the hospital staff Monday.
“It is rare to find such a dedicated work force with an aligned vision and purpose to take care of patients and the community. I want all of you to know that your influence on me has made me a better leader and person,” he said.
Preston’s full Facebook post:
Dear: Employees, Providers & Community
As you are aware, on April 21st, 2020, Williamson Memorial Hospital will close. Over the past 7 months, together we were able to right size the organization, streamline operations and fix a large portion of the revenue cycles issues. Unfortunately, the decline in volumes experienced from the current pandemic were to sudden and severe for us to sustain operations.
It is with a very heavy heart that we have no other alternative to keep the facility operating. However, the new facility owner has expressed his desire to seek out the needed partners for emergency services, lab & x-ray to return to the hospital in the future. It is for this reason; I am confident that services will return to that facility to serve the Williamson community once our country’s healthcare system stabilizes post pandemic.
I remain in awe of the dedication and perseverance of the employees of the hospital, whom I have had the pleasure to work with and to know. It is rare to find such a dedicated work force with an aligned vision and purpose to take care of patients and the community. I want all of you to know that your influence on me has made me a better leader and person.
I will continue to endeavor to identify solutions for the new facility owner as all of you remain on the top of my mind.
Very truly yours,
Gene