FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One Marion County official is among those expressing shock following the announcement Tuesday about Fairmont Regional Medical Center’s upcoming closure.
Alecto Healthcare Systems informed 600 facility employees the hospital will close within 60 days after the parent company failed to find a buyer.
Marion County Commissioner Randy Elliott described the news as a devastating blow to the community.
“We need the emergency room. I’m from the north part of the county, and it takes 20 minutes to Fairmont,” he said. “I have to go twice the distance to get to Morgantown or Clarksburg. It’s not fair. It’s not right for anyone in Marion County.”
Elliott added the closure will force first responders to make changes.
“They’re going to have to go all the way to Clarksburg or to Morgantown to take citizens that are sick, having a heart attack or involved in an accident,” he said. “Time means lives, and someone will die because of this.”
Gov. Jim Justice issued a statement Tuesday night he and Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, will meet with hospital leaders on Thursday to determine the most appropriate path.