WEIRTON, W.Va. – The Weirton Medical Center has signed a letter of intent to become a full affiliate of the West Virginia University Health System.
WMC has been a clinical affiliate of WVU Medicine since 2020, the full affiliation is expected to be completed by next January.
“Since beginning our clinical partnership with WVU Medicine in 2020, they continued to be nationally recognized for the delivery of world-class medicine and groundbreaking research. This affiliation with the WVU Health System is just the next phase in our continued growth at WMC, providing patients with expanded access to WVU Medicine specialists and advanced medical care right in their community,” John Frankovitch, WMC president and CEO, said in a Wednesday news release.
WMC is a 238-bed acute care hospital located on U.S. Route 22 in Hancock County. The hospital serves patients in West Virginia, eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and operates over 50 ancillary locations throughout the tri-state region.
“The partnership is not just an affiliation but a community investment on the part of WMC and WVU Medicine. In addition to the exceptional medical care we provide, WMC has a significant economic impact on the region with over 1,400 employees,” Frankovitch said. “Our partnership with WVU Medicine ensures WMC will continue for the next generation, providing the exceptional, compassionate healthcare our patients have come to expect.”
WVU Medicine President and CEO Albert Wright said the agreement will bolster the system’s efforts in the northern panhandle.
“We laid the groundwork in 2020 with our clinical affiliation and remain impressed with both the hospital and the growth opportunities it will present as a full member of our network. We look forward to expanding our collaboration even further,” Wright said.
WVU Medicine is the largest healthcare provider in the state with 3,000 licensed beds, 4,000 providers, and 30,000 employees. The network of 24 hospitals and clinics is anchored by the 881-bed, Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.